A wedding hymn

Since we celebrated our third anniversary earlier this month, I (of course!) thought back over the details of our wedding and enjoyed reminiscing a bit. It really was the perfect ceremony for us. The following hymn is one I fell in love with from the wedding section of our hymnal. A dear friend sang it during our ceremony.

O Father, all creating,
Whose wisdom, love, and power
First bound two lives together
In Eden’s primal hour,
Today to these Thy children
Thine earliest gifts renew,
A home by Thee made happy,
A love by Thee kept true.

O Savior, Guest most bounteous
Of old in Galilee,
Vouchsafe today Thy presence
With these who call on Thee;
Their store of earthly gladness
Transform to heavenly wine,
And teach them, in the tasting,
To know the gift is Thine.

O Spirit of the Father,
Breathe on them from above,
So mighty in Thy pureness,
So tender in Thy love;
That, guarded by Thy presence,
From sin and strife kept free,
Their lives may own Thy guidance,
Their hearts be ruled by Thee.

Except Thou build it, Father,
The house is built in vain;
Except Thou, Savior, bless it,
The joy will turn to pain;
But naught can break the union
Of hearts in Thee made one;
And love Thy Spirit hallows
Is endless love begun.

I think the words of this hymn, written by John Ellerton in 1876, are so rich and God-honoring. Christian marriage is such a beautiful gift from a gracious and merciful God. And truly, as we work to build our home, if the Lord is not the builder, our labors really are in vain. Without the blessing of God on our marriage and our family, what good will any of it accomplish? Today and every day, I am thankful for my godly husband and the family the Lord is allowing us to build together. How I do look forward to growing old together and seeing the fruit of our labors!

What are you thankful for this Lord's Day?