Sarah's still smiling lovingly at James as the minister begins to speak. It takes her a few moments to realise that she ought to be paying attention to the man, and not losing herself in the reassuring smile of the man that is soon to be her husband.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join James Bond and Sarah Jane Smith in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Sarah holds her breath when that query is spoken, hoping no one rejects. She's had enough disappointments today. Right now, she only wants to marry James and forget everything that's led them to this point except for their happiness.
No one does speak, and the minister smiles softly, continuing his monologue. "It is often custom to begin a ceremony such as this with a definition of love and marriage. Madeline L'Engle once wrote that 'ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take... It is indeed a fearful gamble... Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.
"'To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take... If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation...It takes a lifetime to learn another person...When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.
"Today, October sixth of the year of our lord two thousand and six, James and Sarah have opted to take such a risk. While I have not known neither for very long, I have been assured that neither is a stranger to adversity. Marriage will continue to forever test their bravery. This is not a path to be chosen lightly. Yet, it is a gamble that is more than worth its while.
"With this in mind, I will now ask James and Sarah to commit their vows in front of church, state, family, and friends."
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Ceremony
Date: 2007-09-30 02:31 am (UTC)"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join James Bond and Sarah Jane Smith in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Sarah holds her breath when that query is spoken, hoping no one rejects. She's had enough disappointments today. Right now, she only wants to marry James and forget everything that's led them to this point except for their happiness.
No one does speak, and the minister smiles softly, continuing his monologue. "It is often custom to begin a ceremony such as this with a definition of love and marriage. Madeline L'Engle once wrote that 'ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take... It is indeed a fearful gamble... Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.
"'To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take... If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation...It takes a lifetime to learn another person...When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.
"Today, October sixth of the year of our lord two thousand and six, James and Sarah have opted to take such a risk. While I have not known neither for very long, I have been assured that neither is a stranger to adversity. Marriage will continue to forever test their bravery. This is not a path to be chosen lightly. Yet, it is a gamble that is more than worth its while.
"With this in mind, I will now ask James and Sarah to commit their vows in front of church, state, family, and friends."