Christian Marriage
By the time a young Christian is ready to marry, he or she will believe that marriage is the joining of two people in a faithful and loving relationship. At marriage, conducted by a priest, in a church, and therefore in the sight of God, the couple say vows which are binding obligations towards each other. Rings are exchanged as a sign of the everlasting nature of the vows and the couple's relationship.
The Old Testament understanding of Marriage was determined by two basic convictions: that husbands and wives are related to each other by "hesed", that same quality of love which God showed for Israel.
The New Testament develops this Old Testament insight by affirming that the love husbands and wives must have for each other is the same as the love Christ has for the Church; a self-giving and never-ending love. In the Sacrament of Marriage, through the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of vows and rings, a man and woman become a sign of a much deeper inward reality. Their relationship is strengthened and sanctified by the same quality of self-giving love which was revealed by God in Christ. Their life together becomes a sacrament of love.
The Old Testament understanding of Marriage was determined by two basic convictions: that husbands and wives are related to each other by "hesed", that same quality of love which God showed for Israel.
The New Testament develops this Old Testament insight by affirming that the love husbands and wives must have for each other is the same as the love Christ has for the Church; a self-giving and never-ending love. In the Sacrament of Marriage, through the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of vows and rings, a man and woman become a sign of a much deeper inward reality. Their relationship is strengthened and sanctified by the same quality of self-giving love which was revealed by God in Christ. Their life together becomes a sacrament of love.
Rituals
The order of the ceremony:
"to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part"
"With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
- Beginning the service: the priest welcomes the congregation and then reads out what Christians believe in marriage.
- Declarations: the couple make their promises in front of God that they will love, comfort, honour and protect their partner as long as they both shall live.
- Vows: The couple then make their vows to one another.
"to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part"
- Rings: The couple exchange rings and say:
"With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
- Proclamation: the priest tells the couple that they are now husband and wife.
- Prayers: prayers are said for the couple. They may include a prayer for the gift of children, but this is optional.
- Readings and sermon: there will be some readings from the Bible and the minister gives a sermon.
- Signing of the register: the bride and groom, along with two witnesses, sign the register, which is a legal requirement. They receive a legally binding marriage certificate.
Symbols
The marriage vows affirm the Christian belief that marriage is a life-long commitment. The giving of rings symbolises the commitment that the couple will always be true to each other.
The ring- Being circular, the ring symbolises that love has no end.
The lighted candle- Symbolises the light of Christ which comes through the word of God in scripture.
(In the Orthodox denomination, husband and wife are the king and queen of the family, which is an image of the kingdom of God. The crowns are also the symbols of the martyrs who are witnesses to Christ and his teaching, as the newly married couple will be. The nuptial blessing brings out two themes of Catholic marriage: that a husband’s human love for his wife is a model of the love which Christ has for God’s people- the Church, and that marriage is a relationship based on faithfulness which is plain for all to see.)
The garments- The bride must wear a white dress symbolising pureness and virginity.
The ring- Being circular, the ring symbolises that love has no end.
The lighted candle- Symbolises the light of Christ which comes through the word of God in scripture.
(In the Orthodox denomination, husband and wife are the king and queen of the family, which is an image of the kingdom of God. The crowns are also the symbols of the martyrs who are witnesses to Christ and his teaching, as the newly married couple will be. The nuptial blessing brings out two themes of Catholic marriage: that a husband’s human love for his wife is a model of the love which Christ has for God’s people- the Church, and that marriage is a relationship based on faithfulness which is plain for all to see.)
The garments- The bride must wear a white dress symbolising pureness and virginity.