Congratulations Tim and Melissa

When we first met Tim and Melissa more than two years ago they were dating. So we've always thought of them as a couple. But yesterday they made that official in the sight of God and many witnesses. It's always good to see this evidence of growth and maturity in the church. And it's always good for us older married folks to be reminded of the nature of marriage and the fact that God has laid out exactly what marriage is and why he established it.

The last two weddings of young people from our church have included something that I think is really great—a presentation of the gospel and a call for folks to come to Christ. It seems very natural since we are all gathered to focus on how the wedding ceremony, and the marriage itself, symbolizes Christ's relationship to his Church.

I also enjoy taking pictures at weddings when I am not the official photographer. I've always loved taking pictures of people—candid shots more than posed. And at weddings the people are happy and dressed in their best. Many of the women take special care with their hair. Many of the men pull out their fanciest suits and ties. Everyone just looks great. It's a great place to take candid pictures.

So, of course, that is what I did. I took a few photos of the people in the pews before the prelude started. Then, since I was playing bass for some of the songs, Kim took the camera up to the balcony to get an unobstructed view of the ceremony. She used my camera on one side of the balcony and David took photos with Kim's pocket camera from the other side of the balcony.

Our good friend Joe McKinley sang and played guitar during the ceremony. You may remember Joe's wedding from March of this year [posts from the McKinley wedding]. Joe and Abigail were married in South Carolina, but soon moved back to Lynchburg to the general rejoicing of the people in our church. They are an amazing couple and have made a tremendous impact on our church. Abigail was sitting in the balcony with us during the wedding ceremony, somewhat uncomfortable as she is very pregnant right now. In fact, her due date is the day after tomorrow.

They've been very tight-lipped about the whole thing. No one knows if it's a boy or girl or even what names they prefer. We're all very excited.

So congratulations are due to Tim and Melissa and to their families, a veritable sea of witnesses on their own. Congratulations are due to Melissa's younger sister who recently became engaged to be married (to our pastor's assistant). And very soon congratulations will be due to Joe and Abigail. And today is the Lord's Day. It is a time of celebration and thanksgiving.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.