In our modern society many people have lost the concept of a covenant. We are inundated with contracts and agreements that carry loopholes. Many of us have become accustom to these modern terms of business forgetting that marriage is not a contract, but rather a covenant.

The word “covenant” is an old Hebrew word which means, “to cut”. In antiquity past, those who desired to enter an agreement that would last the entirety of their lives (and their children as well) would sacrifice an animal and divide it into two pieces. They would then pass between the pieces together and walk in a figure 8 pattern (turned sideways you will see that this an infinity sign). The two parties would then say, “As long as these two pieces of flesh do not grow back together, so shall the terms of this covenant will be binding on us and our children.” We find that God Himself participated in such a covenant with Abraham. God appears at night as a smoking pot and a flame and He passes between the two pieces of flesh. This becomes what was known as the “Old Covenant”…we call it “The Old Testament.” God once again participates in a covenant but this time the terms are different (enhanced with better promises) and the sacrifice is His own son. We call this covenant “The New Testament.” As you can see, God is a God of covenants.

While these practices have all but faded away, the word covenant still echoes from the past to the present. It goes without saying that you have heard such expressions as, “cut a deal”, “cut an agreement”, or even “cut a contract”. These are all referring to the ancient practice of a covenant.

As you would expect, a modern covenant wedding does not sacrifice animals and walk between them, but rather emphasizes the terms of the covenant (being life long), brings attention to the fact that this is how God sees it, and in turn asks for His blessing. Thus the term we use “A Blessed Wedding.”

By this time you are probably asking yourself, “So how would this ceremony precede?” The terms of a covenant can be incorporated into any ceremony. It includes a prayer of blessing by the minister and an explanation of the covenant. Click here for an example of a covenant wedding. It can be both formal and informal — in a traditional setting or on the beach of Galveston or anywhere else…even your own home. And, traditions such as a unity candles, the rose, the sand, and communion can remain the same.

The covenant underscores the sanctity of the marriage as well as its longevity. I have never performed a covenant wedding without everyone feeling touched and finding the ceremony refreshing and welcome. It’s not uncommon for people to say that it is by far the most beautiful vows ever spoken.

Call me and we can discuss a “covenant wedding” for you as well. Please keep in mind that I do not require your wedding to use these terms. Your wedding should always be as you desire. I simply suggest the covent vows to you for “A Blessed Wedding.”

Stay Blessed!

Rev. Frank Francis

For information, call: 832-859-2127