The Rite of Holy Matrimony - Patrick and Dana Boks

The Church Season of Pentecost
The Rite of Holy Matrimony
Patrick Boks – Dana Ouderkirk
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (October 17, 2009)

“A Profound Mystery”

Readings: John 15:9-17

Sermon Form Deductive

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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and His Church to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy marriage.

Patrick, and Dana, dear family and friends,

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

This is a wonderful day in which Our Lord Jesus Christ offers His blessings to you both. Up until this day you two were a couple. Now, here in the sight of God, the two of you become one. And the very Word of God, as given to us by St. Paul tells us, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”(v. 31) Then St. Paul goes on to say, “This is a profound mystery.”(v.32) And that probably would be an understatement for those gathered here today. Because for at least two of the parents here the planning and location of this wedding was a great mystery for most of this past summer. But there is no more mystery, today you stand together in love, together with your families, and now together with God.

Rejoice, Patrick and Dana, for it is no mystery that today, and even since the day you were born, God has had a plan for you both. God’s love has brought the two of you together and today that is abundantly apparent. It is no mystery that your all your friends and family reflect a loving care for you, because they are all here today to witness your special day. And really this special day will last you more than just today, it will last a lifetime and fact forever in Christ.

You met each other and time has passed and you have grown together. It is no mystery that the two of you this day will become one, and that promise will be sealed by your vows and in the sight of God. And that seal of God’s promise you received in the waters of your Baptisms. Whether that baptism was many years ago, or just a few days ago, you were made as one in Jesus Christ. In Baptism you were both claimed by God and made part of His Holy family. There, in the waters of your Baptism God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, gave you both the promise to be together with Him for all eternity.

Yet God is before and beyond all eternity and that indeed is a mystery to us. It can also be a mystery that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to undo all the sin of this world. For Jesus came into this world as an infant, just as both of you did, and it was here that He grew and became a man. And just like you both, Jesus Christ was baptized. And because of Jesus Christ’s life included His journey to the cross...sin, death, and the devil have been conquered. And we know that it is true for scripture tells us so. So it may be a mystery to us why Jesus would come here for us. But God gives us the answer to that question too, by saying, “8 God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Rom. 5:8)

God loves you both so much that He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for you. He gives you that gift freely to you both, just as He would give that to all who live and breath in this world. One man, Jesus Christ died for many, so that they may never die, but rather see eternal life. In the coming days, months, and years, there may be challenges to your marriage, there will be good days and bad, there will be sickness and health. But also know that from time eternal God has brought you to this place, His Holy house. God in Jesus Christ is always with you and to serve you in all times. It is no mystery that God brought you both together and the two of you have become one. So in reality there is no mystery only the profound. And the profound is that God brought Jesus Christ into this world for you, so that together in Christ you may have eternal life. Amen.

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