Our son Gregory’s wedding to Kimberly was undoubtedly one of the brightest and happiest of events. God had answered his prayers with a bride that exceeded his dreams by a million miles or more. It was an unforgettable fairytale – magical, romantic, delightful. But to top it off, like perfect icing covering a flawless cake, there was an unusual quality in Kimberly that we all witnessed.

Kimberly’s radiance went beyond her own beautiful appearance. As we watched her glide down the aisle, repeat her vows, twirl on the dance floor, and greet their guests, it was apparent she was completely captivated by her groom. Light radiated from her face in a manner worth noting. Oblivious to her own starring role, this bride was totally preoccupied with her groom. Kimberly’s face reflected her heart – she was taken up with loving admiration for her husband. We saw in her an exquisite beauty that outshone every other detail of the day.

Sometimes God uses familiar pictures and remarkable scenes to help us grasp his truths. Christ calls his followers to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). He asks us to allow his light to radiate to others “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). In 2 Corinthians we learn that God shines out of us to give others “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

As the bride of Christ, we are to be totally captivated by our love for him and reflect his love and his light to those around us. We are human “jars of clay” entrusted with the sacred treasure of Christ within us. May those who witness our lives notice a beauty they cannot explain, a brilliance that shines from us because we are deeply in love with the Savior of the world.

Elizabeth Karram Mitchell