Woman World Web

December 4th, 2009 by Dr. David Trumble

The moment has come. Silence fills the air. The Man of God speaks softly, calling the Bride and Groom by name. He asks them a question, and they answer “I do”. The he tells them to repeat after him the Christian WeddingVows. Finally, when all is done; the Man of God declares the Bride and Groom to be Husband and Wife.

Representing both government and church, the officiating minister guides the couple through the recitation of their Christian Nuptial Vows. Why are they called Christian Special Event Vows? Is it partly because a Minister officiates them?

Bride and Groom express to each other their love and commitments with words we call pledges and vows. Since they are officiated by a representative of the church namely a priest or minister, they may be identified as Christian WeddingVows, however, there is more to it.

If we look back to the development of these Christian WeddingVows, we note that especially in the United States, they have been handed down primarily through the Episcopal and even earlier the Church of England. While most American denominations have embellished and enhanced the Christian Special Event Commitments and the currently take many different forms; they most commonly may be traced back to the influences of the Anglican Church or Church of England which is known as the Episcopal Church in the United States.

Christian Nuptial Vows then are promises made between couples that express the values and traditions of Christian churches of all different denominations including the Roman Catholic Church. Many churches, however, developed their own official versions reflective of their special traditions. For example you will find specific Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, or other denominational versions, but they may all be described as Christian Nuptial Vows.

The meaning of Christian Nuptial Commitments focuses on the nature of marriage and the marriage relationship as described and defined in the Bible. These values and views emphasize the differences and similarities in the roles as well as the guiding principles that assure successful relationships.

The Bible says that God made man and named him Adam. God gave Adam rule, authority, and responsibility over the creation. After making woman, God instructs man to be the leader of his home, to provide protection against evil forces, and to guide his family toward the divine destiny laid out for him by God.

The Bible goes on to teach that a husband should take responsibility as producer , protector, and leader of his home. The Apostle Paul states that a husband should love his wife with sacrificial love. The basic concept of a Christian husband is one who provides for his wife and family, protects them from all manner of dangers, leads them with purpose toward a positive family destiny, and willingly sacrifices his own desires and needs for the benefit of his wife and family.

From the side of man comes woman, a divine gift to man as a companion and helpmate. Her specialized role is as the giver of life and the nurturer of family, but in all other cases she is to be considered a mutual partner in the mission of the family. In the Christian Nuptial Vows, she pledges to respect her husband, give herself freely to meet her husband’s needs, and to surrender her desires and needs for the benefit of the marriage and family.

Today there are many variations of Christian Special Event Vows, but the elements that make them Christian Special Event Commitments include officiating by an ordained minister or priest; reflecting the traditions of the church; and affirming the basic Biblical relationships of husband and wife.

The core nature of marriage is lifted up in Christian WeddingVows, and you can see many different samples of Promises and pledges that are valuable as Christian Special Event Vows.

Christian Wedding Vows and Personal Wedding Vows are featured with other sample wedding vows and resources available at Wedding How. com. Hurry so you can download your own free ebook - Dr Ts Top Ten Wedding Tips, and Wedding How Tips Ezine.