We are just finishing the Christmas season with all its festive, gala events. No doubt all of us have attended a few. There is nothing quite like a great party shared with dear friends.

But I got to wondering about an amazing party that is coming (hopefully soon) that we just don’t hear much about. I am referring to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-10).

If my eschatology is correct, this incredible celebration occurs at the end of the tribulation period. The host is God the Father, the groom is Christ and the bride is the church (you and I).

Like the other weddings in the Bible, this one will start with the betrothal. Paul mentions that in II Corinthians 11:2: ”I am jealous for you with a Godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him.”

The groom then heads home to make all the preparations. Christ emphasized those preparations in John 14: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me…”

And on the day of the celebration, there is a grand procession (Matthew 25). The groom would set out from his house with a “friend of the groom” (John 3:29). The bride’s friends would accompany her. There would be music, singing and dancing all along the way. The actual wedding feast might last an entire week.

What an incredible culmination of the 7 years of horrible tribulation. What a marvelous way to begin “all eternity.” Use your imagination and take a look at God’s kids sitting around a huge table, sharing stories, eating, laughing, and praising the Lord.

This first week of January might be a great time to think about our personal participation as that bride. On the one hand, if you are feeling a bit estranged from Christ, remember He choose you! Notice the words in Jeremiah 3: “Return faithless people, declares the Lord, for I am your husband. I will choose you…” Just return.

And on the other hand, remember how excited most brides are the day of the big event. Let some of that excitement rub off on you right now as you consider Psalm 45:13-14: “All glorious is the princess within her chamber. Her gown is interwoven with gold, in embroidered garments she is led to the king.”

Being led to the King, what a grand day that will be! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.