(this is a short story that's been a long time in the making. it started with a sort of 'vision' that I had MONTHS ago about what it means to share in the sufferings of Jesus. then, God introduced the double entendre of "the Altar" to me, and I couldn't resist making something out of it. I hope it blesses you!)
She stands just outside the doors leading into the Great Hall, a lump in her throat and butterflies in her stomach. this is it, she says to herself. For a brief moment, she considers turning and running away. The doors open.
No turning back.
As she makes her way down the aisle, the first thing she sees is Him. thoughts of running away are chased out by the overwhelming desire to run into His arms. she does just that, heedless to the number of witnesses or the absurdity of running in her bridal gown.
He smiles as if she has just given Him the world and reaches out for her. Pulling her into His embrace, He teases her gently. "Are you also going to leave?"
She blushes, and answers, "to whom would I go? whom have I in heaven but you? and there is nothing on earth I desire besides you."
He laughs, His joy echoing through the Great Hall.
"How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful!"
Adoration shines from His eyes. How could she have ever dreamed of running?
Together, they turn towards the altar.
The priest steps forward.
“Who gives this woman to this Man?”
She steps forward. “I give myself, body and soul.”
“Very well,” He nods. “Have you your token?”
Trembling, she turns to her groom. His eyes – liquid love, strong and gentle – draw her in. He smiles and squeezes her hand. “I'm here.” His voice, His touch, everything in Him cries, “I am yours, and my desire is for you. My love, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Believe me. Trust me.”
Filled with newfound courage, she holds out her hand. Her beloved helps her onto the Altar, and she lies down. The priest turns to the groom. “Have you your token?” He nods, and drawing it out of His satchel, hands it to the priest.
“It is well,” the priest's voice resounds through the Great Hall. “The tokens have been presented, the sacrifice given of her own accord.” He turns to where the bride lays on the Altar. She doesn't notice. Her beloved stands next to her, holding her hand. Her eyes are fixed on His. Not a word is spoken, but the exchange is filled with a love so utterly devastating and pure that it would seem an invasion of privacy to look on the two of them.
His eyes fill. “you are altogether beautiful my darling, beautiful in every way. You captivate me with one glance of your eyes.”
She can no longer see Him through the tears that blur her vision. Overwhelmed with love for Him, she closes her eyes as the priest raises the dagger. The last thing she feels is a sharp pain running through her heart before the darkness engulfs her.
To be continued…
