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The old man joined their hands, saying,
"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as John
James Johannes and Izumi Mizukiyo have consented together in holy wedlock, and have
witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged
their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of
a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together,
in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The
old man looked at them kindly.
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep
you; the Lord mercifully with His favour look upon you; and so fill you with all
spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that
in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen." The old man stood
there, near tears, again.
"You may kiss the bride," he added, smiling ear to ear. John bent over
and kissed Izumi.
After receiving their marriage certificate, Mr. and Mrs. John Johannes stepped out
into the cool night air. The moon was shining brightly in the dark sky, gently illuminating
Three Mile Bay.
"You are all mine, Little Dove. I'll never let you go," he whispered, embracing
Izumi tightly. "All my love, all my life." Izumi closed her eyes, resting
her head on John's shoulder. Never had she experienced a love so pure, and so tender
as she was feeling now.
"Thank you, God," was all she could say. They quietly walked off into the
night, rejoicing in the precious gift God had given them. As John rejoiced with his
bride, so Christ waits to rejoice with us. Oh, let the Spirit and the Bride say "Come!"
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
"As a young man marrieth a virgin ... and as
the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."
~ Isaiah 62:5 ~
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
~ Mark 10:9 ~
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