Last night for the second time in as many months I officiated a wedding ceremony in the dark. No really, complete darkness save my I-Phone light illuminating my ceremony comments and the happy couple.
Who plans a wedding ceremony in darkness you ask? Guests leaning in to gain a glimpse, photographers panicked over brutal light settings, and bride’s maids stepping carefully not to fall.
Again I ask, who plans their wedding ceremony surrounded by darkness?
The short answer, no one. It just happens. Best intended start times (when light abounds or a picturesque sunset glistens) give way to hurriedness or hecticness or perhaps unpreparedness. Time slips away, and the chimed moment passes.
Now out of necessity Plan B unfolds, literally on the fly, and the ceremony moves forward, not quite as envisioned. Darkness threatens, but illuminated by one small light, the miracle of a marital relationship is birthed.
I see a lot of darkness these days, literally and spiritually. Some of you know of my choice to immerse myself in our broken world by officiating wedding ceremonies of those in our community. Few, if any, have church ties. I’ve officiated weddings in all sorts of settings; backyards, bars, restaurants, parks, museums, wedding venues, and plenty out of doors (some in the dark). Notably I’ve not done one “church” wedding for those in our community. Telling?
Space does not allow the recounting of the stories and the God moments. Suffice it to say God has broken my heart for my community and renewed my passion for those who don’t plan on it, but find their lives surrounded by darkness. Are not all of our lives really Plan B lives if we just admitted it?
Jesus is the light. John 1:5 reads, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The question I wrestle with these days, and I ask my believing brothers and sisters (especially my beloved pastor friends) do we spend enough time in the darkness?
I may not be the brightest bulb in the box – however I do remember my Sunday School songs, “Hide it under a bush, OH NO, I’m gonna let it shine”! Could I ask, what are you doing with your light these days?
Light in a lighted room is no light at all. And stars can’t shine without darkness. I am grateful God gifts me to stand with couples (and their family and friends) and be some semblance of the light, Jesus, who has come into this world.
Lord Jesus – Have mercy on us. Please help us to find dark places to be your light – AMEN
