Rejoicing in June

Ah, the month of June. This month is known for several celebrations: Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity in June of 1752; June is Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month (what that is I have no idea) and June is Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. The month of June blessed many sports fans with the birth of Joe Montana. June is the first month of summer. However, the two things June seems to most be known for are Father’s Day and June weddings.

Here is a tidbit of info on June weddings: During the 1400s and 1500s, June was considered the time when people came outdoors after a long winter and bathed communally. I guess to marry when one is clean seemed to them to be a good beginning . . . It is quite possible that the use of flowers at weddings was also, initially, a way of masking body odor . . . June weddings also come from the Celtic calendar. Even the term “honeymoon” has a historical origin, referring to the first moon after the summer solstice—June 21—which was called the “honey moon.”

It is impossible not to think of the bride when thinking of weddings. Have you ever noticed how radiant brides seem to be? Having officiated a wedding or two, I have had the best view in the house as I saw a glowing bride walking towards her waiting groom, her face seeming to communicate “I am walking towards my future who is there waiting for me with loving eyes.”

The Bible uses imagery that portrays the church as the bride of Jesus and Jesus as the bridegroom. As His bride, we glow with rejoicing as we walk across the aisle of time towards our bridegroom who awaits us with loving eyes. We rejoice because He is our future. As we walk, let us each day endeavor to be the kind of bride He has designed us to be, a bride that is holy; a bride that is adorned with good works that exemplify her beauty, a beauty that reflects God’s design and purpose for her.

As we honor our fathers this month, let us not forget our most Holy Father, who loved us enough to send His only begotten Son, that we may have the opportunity, through our belief and surrender to Him, to be forgiven for our sins and have our lives transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings to all,

Vic