For most pastors, weddings are one of their least favorite things to do, but not so with me. Usually I enjoy the opportunity to bring Gods’ Word to bear upon the union of man and woman; however I have become increasingly aware of a general lack of appreciation or understanding amongst the bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographers, florists, etc, with regard to all things sacred.
After the last wedding rehearsal I was talking to the organist when I noticed something strange out of the corner of my eye. The photographer had taken it upon himself to set up a little still life photography session right on the altar. Without hesitation he stood behind the altar, moved the bookstand and candles and did some spontaneous shooting. He had no regard for the sacred use of such things, no appreciation (or fear) for the holy space he had entered.
“Sacred” or “Holy” things have become ordinary for many in our society and I think that their downfall begins not at the church but in the family. Take as an example the simple act of praying before you eat. When the family pauses after all the food has been laid out, when it stops (against natural desires) to give thanks to God, it teaches something powerful. The simple action of prayer reminds all that the ordinary things of meatloaf or baloney sandwiches are in fact gifts from God. Sure he gives them to those who pray and those who don’t but by praying we confess his holy work in very ordinary things. And if he is at work in providing my baloney sandwich how much more are we prepared to see him at work in gifts laid upon the altar!
A family at prayer is well prepared to recognize and treasure the sacred.
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