This time of year there are a lot of wedding anniversaries. I have noted many Facebook posts reflect this recently. This week Nancy and I celebrated one too. I won't tell you how many but will say we were married in 1969. You can do the math.
Anniversary hike and lunch at the top of Crystal Mountain.
We have not always celebrated in a big way. But, this year we did and took to the mountains, stayed at a nice place in the forest, took the gondola to the top of Crystal Mountain, hiked and ate lunch with a million dollar view at 7,000 feet (The highest restaurant in the state). Then we drove around Mt Rainer clockwise and were awed by God's handiwork in the beauty of nature. Taking time to remember a wedding anniversary is a good thing for several reasons.
First, we know God does call us to remember important times. Israel's feasts were given to remember events and Jesus called us to remember the His sacrifice through communion. So it is logical to remember our marriage vows. We like to take special time to remember our wedding and the ways God brought us together and has blessed us and shown His mercy and grace to us over the years. It really helps put the Lord at the center of the relationship which He has put together.
Second, it also reminds us of the importance of the "covenant" marriage is. Today marriage has become only a contract between two people that can easily be dissolved through "no fault divorce." More and more people don't even see marriage as an option so they just live together. Cohabitation rates are up for young and old. Long term negative repercussions for the family come from this.
But God reminds us marriage is His idea (cf. Gen. 2:24) and is a covenant between three people; the third being God Himself. For example, the Lord chastised Israel for divorcing their wives and taking foreign ones. "Yet you say, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." (Mal. 2:14). Taking time to reflect on God's hand in our relationships is healthy and strengthening thing.
Third, marriage really is a picture of Christ and the church (cf. Eph. 5). This is a "mystery" revealed in Christ that is often missed. Every aspect of how we live our lives together speaks to the world about God's great love for the church. Marriage will end in this life but it will also have an eternal impact on others here. So let us enjoy and make our marriages reflect that for the glory of God.
Pastor Mark