christian ceremony

Marriage is a voluntary union between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others; also known as Holy Matrimony. Some churches regard marriage as a sacrament such as the Catholic Church, partly due to Jesus supporting the wedding in Cana of Galilee as described in the Gospels John 2:1-12. Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, one that should not be taken for granted. The rituals of a typical marriage ceremony in chronological order are: Opening song, bridal procession, giving the bride away, readings from the Bible, homily, a rite of consent to marriage, exchange of wedding vows, blessing & exchange of rings, special blessing for the couple, kiss, an assortment of appropriate prayers, signing the register, closing song, walking back up the aisle as a united couple.

There are many different denominations of Christianity and they have a great no: of variations in the marriage ceremony. E.g. an Orthodox marriage ceremony additionally includes: lighting candles, crowning, joining hands and circling around the table 3 times, drinking from the cup of wine and the Gospel reading of the marriage feast at Cana (John 2:1-12). The Catholic marriage ceremony additionally comprises of: the drinking from the cup of wine, an appropriate Gospel reading, the nuptial blessing and Eucharist (optional). The Anglican ceremony additionally includes: readings from scripture, drinking from the cup of wine and reading of the banns. Therefore the Christian marriage ceremony plays a significant part in Christianity as it unites Christians together and it contributes greatly to the growth and development of a Christian’s life. In all denominations the recitation of marriage vows reflects the central belief that Christian marriage is a life-long commitment.

The purpose of marriage is primarily for procreation and to bring glory and honour to God. It is also for spiritual, mental and physical fulfilment, love for God, devotion of their love for one another and it is