March 5, 2004
Greetings
Who would have thought that on March 5, we would all be on a beach in Hawaii? We know that with the passing of Popo, we have come from literally the far corners of our country to celebrate and honor a very special person in our lives. To that end, our day together tomorrow will be filled with sorrow and joy, tears and smiles, memorable stories and hopeful dreams.
But isn’t it like Popo who both in her life on earth as well as her everlasting life in heaven is the reason why we as a family have joined together for yet another time of celebration and rejoicing? As people of faith, we believe that in death, there is life. Out of the occasion to remember and celebrate Popo’s life, we also have this happy occasion to celebrate Bobby and Kirsten’s engagement.
Prayer
Dear God, gathering here on this beach is to see how you have made beautiful the touch of your creative hand. This display of your handiwork of blue sky, clear seas, and colorful flowers remind us that, small as we are next to you, we, too, are a part of your grand design. Just as there are countless grains of sand under our feet, we have received countless blessings in our faith in Jesus Christ. O Lord, who brought all of these spectacular delights into being, we thank you also for creating us that we may find delight in one another. Be present with us now as we celebrate the meaning of love and promises for marriage in the lives of Bobby and Kirsten. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sharing Promises
Engagement means that two people are committed to each other. Before engagement, we were only “boyfriend and girlfriend,” but now you’re fiancés. Before engagement, we imagined “what ifs,” but now you are saying “why not.” Before engagement, we kept family secrets quiet, but now your secrets are shared with each other. Before engagement, we took each day as it came, but in a few months you are about to make commitments to last a lifetime.
Someone once wrote:
I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart’s devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that’s ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.
We invite you to share words of wisdom and blessings with Bobby and Kirsten. Perhaps a personal experience, a Bible verse, a poem or especially from your uncles and aunties and cousins who have journeyed on the path of marriage to share what they may have learned that they would like to pass onto you. And for those who have yet entered into marriage, you too are invited to share a blessing for Bobby and Kirsten in the days ahead.
Open Sharing
Message
Genesis tells us that when God created all that exists, God pronounced it “good.” And today we, surrounded by the evidence of God’s tropical paradise creativity, also pronounce it “good.” Touching God’s creation, breathing the gift of ocean air, canopied by the vast blue sky, feasting our eyes on this glorious seascape, we can’t help but to declare that God’s creation is good.
In Genesis, we also read of God’s intention for God’s human creations. The Creator recognized that it is not good for us to be alone. We were created male and female to be companions and helpers to each other. All creation smiles when two of God’s creatures meet each other’s eyes and hearts and souls and in that meeting, say “Yes” to life. Bobby and Kirsten, your love for each other is matched by all nature, and the God who gave you life and who brought you together celebrates with you.
Paul was praying to God for the Ephesians when he said,
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be
strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded
in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints,
what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of
Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness
of God. (3:16-19)
Bobby and Kirsten, Christ’s love for you is as broad as the horizon, as long as sunbeams, as high as the sky, and as deep as the sea. May you be strengthened in the days ahead as you make your final plans for your marriage. May you be filled with God’s love as you are rooted in your life together in Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Although some of us have come from wintry seasons, it is Spring here. It is God’s plan for the seasons to cycle one into the next. So, too, your life together will not remain static, but will be dynamic, ever-changing. Welcome the change. Greet the new, and you will rediscover in each other that realm where time and place cease to be and where your souls may dance together in joyous union as Spring becomes Summer on June 26th.
Prayer
O God who gives us life, we pray for Bobby and Kirsten who are before you today. Bless their commitment to each other. Breathe into their lives the vitality that only your spirit gives. Grant them strength, the energy and the fortitude to look toward their wedding day in June. Protect them and guide them everyday so that they can live before you, honoring you with their promises for marriage. Lead Bobby and Kirsten in the path of love. May their lives, when joined together, reflect your presence in this world. Amen.
Benediction
Beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in Jesus Christ, and the God of peace will be with you. Amen. (Adapted Philippians 4:8-9)