I think it’s that moment, when the bride & groom lock eyes at the start of the aisle, that we all wait for. Each guest is swept up in that moment with them.

Every married person that I’ve talked to has told me that their wedding day has been one of the best days of their life.

This summer, I went to seven (yes seven) weddings. Each one was amazing and beautiful and the sweetest celebration.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eager and giddy for the day I get to see my groom. Waiting for me at the altar, ready to start our “forever” together.

But something got me thinking lately. About the fact that we get to be eager for another day of union too.

We are the bride of Christ. We’re waiting for Jesus to come back for us, and the day He does is our huge celebration. Like our wedding day.

There’s the first look of a wedding day. Just a quick glimpse before the actual wedding is so embedded with joy.

We, in this lifetime, have had a few first looks with our Faithful Groom. We have seen Jesus cultivate a relationship with us. He has promised that we get to have our forever with Him. It’s not the time for us to return Home but we know that moment is coming.

There’s the preparation of the bride. Each bride has their closest girlfriends and family members help her get ready for her groom. What I often forget is that we are all in preparation right now too. We’re getting our hearts ready and we get to invite our friends and family into that through prayer and encouragement.

And God, so sweetly, is getting heaven ready for us.

There’s the moment when the father gives his daughter away. Much like how our Heavenly Father gave us as a gift to our faithful Jesus.

We are the prize after the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

Then comes the lifting of the veil. The moment we get to see Jesus face to face. He makes His vows to us and with sureness, upholds every promise.

He promises to protect us with strength. He promises to lead us confidently. He promises to love us unconditionally. He promises to be devoted, through every season of life.

All like a husband does for his wife.

Marriage. That’s the purpose of it.

To be a physical example of our relationship with Jesus and His loyalty to us. To show off His selfless, pure, engaged pursuit of us.

He made that sacrifice for us so that we could be His.

Our sweet Jesus, our Faithful Groom.