With splendid pageantry, ornate carriages, exquisite wedding gowns, and fairy tale romance, a royal wedding is an extraordinary event that captures our imagination and our hearts. In a solemn moment, the world watched in wonder this morning as Kate Middleton and Prince William vowed to love and cherish one another for the rest of their days. As I watched some of the news coverage of this historic event, I was reminded of another wedding. This bride is more beautiful than any this world has ever seen. Her bridegroom has given everything to ensure a marriage covenant that will last for the rest of eternity.

Kate was very beautiful in her wedding gown and William appeared the handsome prince in his uniform, but just take a look at what this bride and groom will be wearing:

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints  (Revelation 19:8).

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God (Revelation 19:12-13).

Queen Elizabeth has honored William and Kate with new and impressive titles. They will now be officially known as "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge".

Compare that with the official title of the Bridegroom as described in Revelation 19. He is "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (v16).

The fanfare and music that accompanied William and Kate's ceremony, while majestic by our standards, will pale to insignificance when we hear the Bridegroom introduced with "a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God" and “the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth”   (Revelation 19:1,6).

Ephesians 5:22-33 is often used to remind husbands and wives of their role and responsibilities. The passage is certainly an admonition for that purpose but an even greater truth is revealed. We see that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom and the church (those for whom He gave His life) is His bride.  

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Eph 5:32).

Although naturally beautiful, Kate certainly had plenty of help to make herself presentable for the future king at the altar this morning. Whether by bath or shower, she surely cleansed herself in some way. Someone would have assisted her in applying makeup to cover any possible flaws, her hair was neatly fixed into place and her dress was fitted perfectly.  

Amazingly, Ephesians 5 reveals that the bride of Christ has been prepared by the Bridegroom Himself. “…Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, His bride, we have been cleansed by Him and presented to Him with no spot, no wrinkle, and no blemish. This was only made possible by His great sacrifice in giving His life for us so that He could sanctify and cleanse us. He Himself has perfectly prepared us for a perfect union with Him.

As the bride of Christ we have been made a “glorious church,” a glorious bride fit for the King.

As a glorious bride, presented to the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS, we look forward the ultimate royal wedding on that day when we will hear “the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come...” (Revelation 19:6-7).

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come…