While we don't know any details from the marriage of Joseph and Mary, we do know something about weddings at that time. We know they were often arranged by parents, but parents would certainly have been aware of who had caught whose eye and attention. They certainly would have known about each other. They would have shared much in common living in this little village. In addition, they shared a distant but common ancestry, as both of them were descendents of King David through different wives.
While we know something about weddings through our Lord's first miracle at the wedding in Cana, we don't know if such a celebration was held at Joseph and Mary's wedding. We do know they did not experience physical intimacy until after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:24f).
Engagements and weddings are tender events. Many of these events take place during Advent. While they are often arranged by parents in our time, the promises made in a wedding affect them very much. Getting engaged or married during Advent is a powerful time to experience Christ within these events, receiving from each other all that Christ would release through them.
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, bless every couple experiencing marriage these Advent days that they may receive and share Your rich blessings with each other and so many others. Amen.
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