December 28, 2007 (White Bible Ceremony)
My cousin (who is like my sister) is getting married in March and I am honored to be her Matron of Honor. Recently, we were discussing different events planned and she mentioned her "White Bible Ceremony". I had never heard of such a ceremony, so I began to research the origin of this the "White Bible Ceremony" and what is protocol for this ceremony. I found the "white Bible ceremony" to be a beautiful way to invite God's presence into a couple's marriage, so I decided to share my research here for other couples beginning their marriage journey.
Items needed for the White Bible Ceremony:
2 Red Roses
1 Yellow Rose
1 White Rose
Red Carnations
White Carnations
Ribbon
White Bible
Ceremony Introduction:
We are so happy to have (bride’s name) and (groom’s name) tonight. We are here to honor this couple and are pleased to have a small part in the preparation for their marriage. Tonight/today we will be making a presentation of two things. One is a bouquet of flowers, with each flower representing a certain quality that should be found in a Christian marriage, and the other will be a Bible, which should be the cornerstone of a Christian marriage.
The bridal bouquet is a special and significant part of the bride’s attire because it is selected especially for her by the groom. In past centuries, nosegays, sometimes called tussie-mussies, played a significant part in close relationships. The language of flowers was a serious course of study for young ladies. No well-bred young lady would dare go out in public without a tussie-mussie. Nor would a serious suitor dare visit a young lady without this special bouquet to express his feelings.
These bouquets were carried in “posey holders,” a cone-shaped tube, often made of gold or silver. A chain was attached to the end of the holder that was slipped over the finger to safeguard against dropping these delicate holders. A pin inserted inside the lip of the holder held the flowers in place. Today these posey holders are collector’s items and are sometimes referred to as tussie-mussies. Our hope is that by sharing this tradition with you and explaining the meaning of the colors of each flower, you will appreciate and understand the significance of the flowers used in your wedding.
Present one Red Rose:
Men in love send roses on special occasions. The rose represents unity and love. Love is the foundation of the home. Because of your love for one another, you will be establishing a home together. Red roses are the traditional way of expressing love. As we place this red rose in your bouquet, remember that although your love for one another is of the romantic kind, a Christian couple should also reflect a Christian love for others. God wants your love to grow for each other and also for Him.
Present one Yellow Rose:
Unity and sincerity are two very important qualities in a marriage, but especially in a Christian marriage. A yellow rose represents sincerity. As we place this yellow rose in your bouquet, remember that a young wife should radiate sincere love and commitment towards her husband. According to Philippians 2:3-4 (read verses), the most successful marriages are those where both people look out for each other rather than themselves.
Present Red and White Roses:
The red and white rose represents unity. As we place these roses in your bouquet, think of Isaac and Rebecca. Each loved the other as the Psalmist said we should love God, with “all that is within me,” body, mind, and soul. Because each was united within himself and herself, they were able to be happily united to each other. They were perfect partners with God and parented two nations. They were not perfect. I am sure they had quarrels, frustrations, and misunderstandings, but they were remembered as being whole, and thus holy.
Present Red Carnation:
The carnation has been used in bridal bouquets for many years. The red carnation represents engagement and passion. An engagement is an important decision. You have made many decisions since you became engaged. There will be many more for you to make. You will have to decide where to go to church, whether or not to have children and when to have them, where you will live, and even where you will spend the holidays each year. Let us remind you that God can guide you as you make these decisions. We pray that as we place this carnation in your bouquet that it will serve to remind you to always turn to God for guidance and leadership.
Present White Carnation:
The white carnation represents purity. The definition of purity is “unmixed with any hurtful material.” We pray that your home will be uncluttered with false standards and selfish ambitions. The bride who wears a white dress and carries white flowers imbodies purity of heart. We have heard the hymn “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God.” Remember the words as you share your Christian lives with each other. To achieve purity of heart, God’s word tells us that “Everyone who has the hope in Christ keeps himself pure just as Christ is pure.” Pray together often for purity of heart.
Present the Ribbon:
The ribbon we give you now is to bind your bouquet together, just as your love should bind (bride’s name) and (groom’s name). The decision you have made to marry one another is one of the biggest you will ever make. Only God knows what is in store for you. In your marriage vows, you will promise to take each other for better or worse. We pray it will be for the better. But we know that there will be times when it seems like the worse. You don’t need to worry, though, because as it says in Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.”
You have in your hands now a bouquet much like a bridal bouquet, with colors and flowers that represent Christian sincerity, purity, love, and growth. Behind many floral bouquets are white Bibles.
Present White Bible:
We hope that you, (bride’s name) and (groom’s name), will turn to this book regularly as you seek guidance for both the happy and the sad days. We suggest that you take this Bible and use it for family devotions and worship. It will help you face social, financial, physical, and mental anxieties. It will give you comfort and assurance.
This book has been your guide as a child and teenager. We hope it will be meaningful to you as an adult. We encourage you to use God’s Word and seek His guidance.
While your bouquet will be symbolic of (groom’s name) love for you, let the white Bible be symbolic of your mutual love for God in your Christian home. We anticipate that your home will be a place of warm, Christian love, a place where God’s name is honored.
We would now like to ask (groom’s name), the groom, to come stand beside (bride’s name) as the poem “The Bride” is read.
Dear Bride-To-Be:
Come to me, dear bride to be and kneel before my throne
And I will share my heart with you and make your house a home.
Listen well, lean closely, there are secrets at my feet
The marriage you will soon begin this bridegroom will complete.
The man with whom you will journey is your wedding gift from me
To teach you things in mind, you will always have great wealth
For through your union I will choose to teach you of myself.
Let him hold you tightly and keep you safe from harm
Until I’ll one day hold you in my everlasting arms.
Let him wipe away your tears and trust him with your pain
Until I wipe them all away and heaven is your gain.
Pray to love his tender touch and want his gentle kiss
I grant you both my blessing and ask you not to miss
The reason why I have chosen for two halves to become one
That you might see the Bride of Christ, sweet daughter, dear son.
So make his home a refuge, he’s to love you as I do
Until your mansion is complete for you
And if I should choose to leave you here when I call him home
Trust me, I’ll be your husband then, you’ll never be alone.
--Beth Moore