Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Ceremonial Ideas

OPENING WORDS
Family and friends, I welcome you to this day of celebration. Rob and Bri have invited us here to this place to share in their declaration of lifelong commitment to each other. Your blessings, support, and encouragement are important to this union, not only now, but in the days and years to come.

Rob and Bri, you have signified your desire to marry, and no one has shown just cause why you may not. If either of you know of any lawful impediment why you may not be married, I charge you now, in the presence of the Force, the Searcher of all hearts, to declare it.
________________________
INVOCATION

The Force, in whom we live and move and have our being, challenges us to develop purity of heart and strength of purpose, so that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing the serenity of the Force, and no chaos may prevent the harmony that comes from abiding in the Force; that in it we may see light, and in its service find perfect freedom. May we be mindful at this hour that what is said and done in this place may be blessed, both now and forevermore. 

Marriage is a permanent bond between two people willing to share their lives together committed and combined by the Force.  As Jedi, there is a code we live by which expresses the path we follow to grow in serving each other and the world.
There is no emotion; there is peace.  This is not to mean we don't have emotions, but that we restrain our emotions so that we may live a life of moderation and control.  May you be ever mindful of the way you treat each other and the other people in your life so that through your union the world will see loyalty, humility, honor and valor.  May your lives be blessed in peace, love, and joy.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.  Make no mistake, the journey you have both embarked upon today will not be an easy one.  Marriage requires work, devotion, patience, and commitment, not just today, but all days from now forever more.  May you grow together through both self knowledge and growth in knowing each other, and may your combined knowledge be a force to enlighten the world.
There is no passion; there is serenity.  Serenity plays an important part in our lives.  In your lives there will be times of crisis as well as times of peace.  Through the force, with practice, we can find a center of calm within us that helps us to clearly think through these times.  May you both remain devoted to seeking this peace through meditation and prayer, jointly and individually, so that you may strengthen each other and the world around you.
There is no chaos; there is harmony.  Balance is the key to life.  Seek moderation in all things.  This is a lifelong goal.  Each of you, by finding balance within yourself, you will be more able to find balance with your spouse.  By finding balance together with your spouse, you will be together empowered to combat the unbalance in the world.
There is no death; there is the Force.  Through the Force there is no death as life is a continuing cycle.  Keep in mind that the relationship you start today will impact your lives throughout your entire destiny.  May you embrace and respect life, in all its forms, continuing in your life together and realizing that this life is not the end.  
__________________________
VOWS
I take you - (Name) - to be my wife/husband, these things I promise you: I will be faithful to you and honest with you. I will respect, trust, help, and care for you. I will share my life with you. I will try with you better to understand ourselves, the world and the force; through the best and worst of what is to come, until death parts us.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Today we have moved from "I" to "We". - (Name) - take this ring as a symbol of my decision to join my life with yours until death should us part. I walked to this place to meet you today; we shall walk from it together.

BLESSING

May the light of the Force bless and sustain you, may the power of the Force pour grace upon you that you may be strong in body, mind, and spirit, and grow together in love all the days of your life.


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