"I ask you therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." Ephesians 3:13  NIV

The bridal gown on the wall? It's not mine. I don't know whose it is. It's a reminder to us that a wedding has taken place, at some moment in time. I think it's happened, since it's not wrapped in plastic, as a new dress would be.

I would think the bride wore her dress with elegance, and grace, but I'm not sure. I wasn't at the wedding. I didn't see her move down the center aisle, or meet her groom at the altar. I didn't hear the Pastor's sermon, or their wedding vows.

I can be almost sure she made herself ready. The right make-up and hairstyle were decided upon long before the date arrived. If it took place in the summer I can imagine she sat in the sun, hoping for a tan.

 Can you remember thinking about your own wedding as a young girl, hoping your groom would be as handsome as the Prince in your favorite Disney movie? Most of us have idealistic dreams of what life will be like when we grow older.

There is a Bride who is waiting patiently for her Groom. Paul, our friend the Apostle from the first century speaks of her often. He calls her the body of Christ or the church. Even though Paul wrote these words, Jesus could have spoken similar words to His Bride.

We don't actually glory in Christ's sufferings, but we glory in the finished work of Calvary, which came into being because He suffered and died. We glory in the fact that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life according to the Book of Revelation.

We glory in the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His all so that we might live. He became a ransom for many. Do you know Him, as Lord and Savior? Have you ever invited Him into your life? If not, why not do it today? Today is as good a day as any.