I'd like to share a story that will give you the sweetest dreams imaginable...the story of the ancient Jewish wedding tradition. We get so caught up in the work of serving Christ that we may lose sight of the end result: the union of the bride and groom! So lie back, relax and enjoy this ritual that is so full of symbolism for all God's people.

Wedding plans were initiated when the prospective bridegroom left his father's house and traveled to the home of the future bride. There, a price had to be paid to secure the bride. Once paid, the marriage covenant was considered sealed, although they were not yet physically joined.

At this point the bride was "set apart," the betrothal being finalized when the bride and groom drank from a cup. The groom then returned to his father's house for one year, preparing their living quarters in his father's home. The bride assembled her wardrobe and prepared for married life.

Likewise, Christ's bride is getting ready today. God has sent apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers "for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13, NKJV).

After the year, the groom left his father's house to get the bride. Although she expected him, she didn't know the exact time, so his arrival was preceded by a shout! Sound familiar? Yes, get ready. Jesus is coming soon!

Heavenly Father, help me to prepare for my coming Bridegroom! Thank you for the servants You have place in Your Body to help me. May I listen to them, heed their warnings and do my part. I rejoice and sleep well in the sweet assurance that soon I will see You face to face! In Jesus' Name, Amen.