Nick & Alicia make their vows
Christian weddings are one of my favourite things. They just ooze gospel (in the best possible sense). And why wouldn’t they? The whole institution of marriage is designed to showcase the love of Christ for his bride (the church), so what better place to glory in that image than a wedding?
This summer was full of weddings for us–which is great. One of the favourite weddings I’ve ever been at was that of my friends Nick and Alicia Mitchell. This is so for lots of reasons. We were surrounded by friends, it was a day wedding (the whole no dancing scene works great in my two-left-footed-world), and the speeches and music were all gospel-centred and Christ-exalting. The sermon was also stellar.
But the number one thing that makes a wedding good, in my view, is the vows. In the vows, the bride and groom make clear what they think of marriage. What are they setting out to do? What will they promise? What are they committing themselves to?
While most other elements of a wedding are somewhat ‘canned,’ the vows belong to the bride & groom. They reflect biblical convictions, God-honouring intention, and sobriety. They reveal that the bride & groom have thought long and hard about what marriage is, what marriage symbolizes, and what marriage will demand of them. In the presence of God and many witnesses, each person pledges to honour God as they honour their spouse.
Right away I knew I loved Nick & Alicia’s vows. I also loved that they memorized them (further evidence of the seriousness they showed toward their wedding and the commitment they were making). I asked Nick for a copy of their vows so I could post them here for you to see. Enjoy!
Nick’s Vows
Alicia, I know that God has ordained marriage to be a picture of Christ and his bride, the church. On that basis I give you these promises:
I will love you fully and will strive to avoid all things that could quench our love.
I will seek to enjoy you above all of God’s creation.
I will respect you and be the defender of your name.
I will lead you in all things pertaining to godliness through the instruction of God’s Word.
I will aim to put sin to death in my life and humbly serve you just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.
I reserve my body for you and you alone.
I will stand by you in all times, good or bad, and will help you bear your burdens.
I will never leave you but will forever be your delightful companion in Holy Love and heavenly hopes and duties when all other outward comforts fail.I pledge you all these things before God.
Alicia’s Vows
Nick, I know that God has ordained marriage to be a picture of Christ and his bride, the church. On that basis I give you these promises:
I will love you fully and will strive to avoid all things that could quench our love.
I will seek to cherish you above all God’s creation, tending each day to our relationship so that the flame of our love does not diminish.
I will place myself under your leadership as your helper, as the church submits herself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who redeemed her with His blood.
I will reserve my body for you and you alone, and seek to make you the happiest man on earth.
I will stand by you in all times, good or bad, and will help you bear your burdens.
I will never leave you but will forever be your delightful companion in Holy Love and heavenly hopes and duties when all other outward comforts fail.I pledge you all these things before God.
Two Lucky Dudes, Two Godly (Longsuffering!) Women
