Union

When you look at the portrayal of this glorious event, you will see many different elements in the painting. The ceremony itself (binding of hands) is one that many gatherings still do today. It is the binding of both the husband's and wife's hands together, signifying the unity they shall endure throughout time. Different groups use different cords and colors for this binding. I have chosen white, gold and red ribbons here. Red signifying the Blood of Christ. It is by His Blood that we are cleansed and protected. The white color signifies the righteousness and gold for the value it represents.

Next we see the Fathers hands hovering over the couples hands, blessing the wedding union of Jesus and His Bride(we the church.)  I have taken the liberty of including a ring for this ceremony. This ring is not just some expensively made item bought from a  store, but rather a "signet ring."  A signet ring has many aspects to it, but first and foremost is what the signet ring itself represents. A signet ring gives the bearer all the authority of the king or nation the bearer represents. in days of old, a signet ring would be used to seal a document in the kings absence.  Therefore, A signet ring is not something given our lightly or without serious consideration. This is why I chose to make the wedding ring in the painting a signet ring in place of some diamond ring. The value placed upon this kind of ring, far outweighs the value of any other kind of ring no matter what the cost.

We can clearly see all the hands together in this wedding ceremony, but pay close attention to the Father and Son area if you will. The Fathers hands are gently posed over the married couples hands as the Father Himself gives His divine blessing to both. However, if you look close at the hand of Jesus, (signified by His nail pierced hand) you will see that the Fathers robe joins into the white robe of Jesus. There is no separation. For as Jesus has said many times Himself... the Father and I are one.

Finally we see the Holy Spirit toward the bottom of the painting. We see the red ribbon carried around the couples hands and down through, past and into the Holy Spirit. Without the Blood of Christ which cleanses us of all sin, the Spirit could never have lived within us. It is by Christ's Blood and that cleansing, that the Holy Spirit can inhabit our being. This is why we need robe born again before we cancer receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Being fully cleansed by the Blood, makes it possible to become a part of the family of God, His pure and sanctified Bride.

I know the Holy Spirit is not a dove. The Holy Spirit is a person, the 'person of the Holy Spirit' just as the Father and Jesus are identifies as well. I have spoken outwardly many times on that specific subject, however, still many people relate to the Holy Spirit in a dove like fashion, so for illustrative purposes I have chosen, in this painting, to represent the Holy Spirit as a dove for that reason. It is important that we fully grasp and understand our role and purpose in this family we are about to become. This is why I have simplified the imagery on this piece for easy comprehension in understanding the painting. The "Union" of matrimony between Christ and His Bride (us) will indeed take place. Perhaps sooner then we think. It will be a glorious time filled with celebrations, feasts and angels shouting with joy. Best part... you have a honored role in all this. You are not on the sidelines looking in. We are part of the family of God.

Nothing we have done made this possible, and nothing we can ever do shall remove it. We are His, and He is ours! Yes, many of us know that even now, but one day... one fine glorious day, we shall see it taken place in full view of everyone and everything that God has created. Rejoice my brothers and sisters, for IT SHALL BE SO!

Truly, a marriage made in heaven, and made for heaven. A divine marriage, the marriage of Christ and His bride. This union shall be like no other ever created. We are the bride of Christ, created to be that Bride before time ever existed. God created us for this specific purpose. As the Bride of Christ we are adopted into the family, the family of God.

He chose us even before He made us.