“My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green fig, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (Cant 2:10-13)
When we consider weddings, it would be nigh impossible to forget the music. The bride could march silently, the hymns could be removed, the close friends of the new couple could choose to write a poem or a nice speech instead of joining together in song, but otherwise would certainly be preferred! When it comes to music, there can be many emotions, and with that, opinions associated. This, itself, presents to us the power of music. Specifically, the power for good or the power for evil. Music emotionally moves us. On a Sunday morning, music can be the zest and joy of a well-spoken exhort followed by well-chosen hymns. The voluntaries can open & close our mindsets, our desire, our focus. Music was designed by God for His glory and honour. From beginning to end, we see song & praise used in Scripture as a God-given and designed asset to creation. For this series, our goal is to present and to encourage the spiritual accents of a wedding, and thus we are going to be sharing the spiritual music that can be intertwined into a marriage feast to bring about the joy and gladness that God has created and desired us to enjoy.
Hymns In our green Christadelphian Hymn Book, we have a section entitled “Seasons & Special Occasions” beginning with #420 and ending with #432. The hymns specifically written for the occasion of a wedding are #429, #430, #431, #432, with a note that suggests including #158 to this collection of hymns also. Some of these hymns are common for weddings and others we may have never heard before, this is when a resource like christadelphianmusic.org is fantastic because accompaniment to every single hymn in our hymn book is recorded for download and use. You can listen carefully to each hymn played and read along/sing along, and make a decision as to which hymns you would like to include in the day and how! Another thought for the vocally inclined is if you find a hymn that you really adore, the words resonate with you, you could learn the hymn and sing it to your spouse. You could also send it out as a practice track to friends and family if you would like a group to sing it for you. Hymns are a beautiful and powerful way to praise God on your wedding day, use of them is always encouraged.
In addition to hymns, there are also many Christadelphian written songs that also can be sung, played, etc at your wedding by friends and family! Writing a song is an option, though lofty, & will be well treasured for years to come. You can have a slide show made by siblings, best friends, family, and have some spiritual music to accompany the memories and thoughts therein! The ways in which spiritual music can complement your wedding are endless. Praise to God is timeless & uplifting for all in attendance.
Music Resources
- http://www.jehoshaphatmusic.com
- http://www.christadelphianmusic.com
- http://www.christadelphianmusic.org (Hymn tracks)
- http://www.facebook.com/ashiramusic
- http://www.youthconference.com/music.htm (Cantatas from Manitoulin Youth Conference)
Resources Concerning Spiritual Principles of Music (General)
- Evaluating the Scriptural Soundness of a Song
- How to Evaluate Songs for Congregational Worship (Non-Christadelphian)
- Music and The Need for Godly Principles
- Suggestions for Christadelphian Composers
- Themes to Be Wary of in Christian Music
- Arguments and Answers
We pray that as you consider this wondrous adventure ahead, even marriage, that you might keep in mind the awe-inspiring principles & words of our all-knowing & all providing God.
“His will is best, there let us rest” -Sister Jane Roberts in The Virtuous Woman
If you have any resources related to this post or any of the content ahead (please see the table of contents) we would love to hear from you!