ang pamamanhikan

Ours was different in a way that the groom’s father (Pastor Ric) and Genesis need not asked my father (Pastor Ruffy) for my hand. Well, charge that to the trust we all made that God has appointed a time for us to be together and that Genesis and I have decided (and chose–choice is big factor) to obey fully and be [here]. So, to get things a little more formal, we setup a meeting of families at Eden Nature Park in Toril, Davao City.

HOW THE JEWISH DOES IT

Last March, Gen and I have been reading on how Jewish people setup nuptials. Aside from the fact that they also do arranged marriages,
their custom is much closer to how we do it in the Philippines.
our custom as Filipinos is very much similar to how they do it. The groom travels far to meet with the bride’s family. At dinner, he pours our wine and if the prospect bride drinks of the cup, the betrothal is sealed. The two are pledged to be married in a year (at most, two). And while waiting for the day, the bride concerns herself of beautifying and preparing herself all the more in purity. The groom on the other hand goes back to his father’s house. They prepare the marriage tent while only the groom’s father know about the exact date of the wedding.

IN THE SPIRIT

Spiritually speaking, Jesus as the Bridegroom came to offer his lifeblood–dying on the Cross to save us all from our sins. From the conviction of guilt, we are made pure by the shedding of His blood. Hallelujah! And as we partake of that blood, we share in His sufferings, joy and mission. From then on, the believers as Christ’s Body and Church, is betrothed to Him who poured His Blood.–yes, we became Christ’s Bride.

WHAT HAPPENED

Conventionally, Genesis’ fam had to fly over from Pangasinan to meet with us for the said pamamanhikan, but it turned out that we had a  family getaway–yes, a rather good sway from the traditional–and it was something that both families actually needed. We had food, games, hikes, photos, swimming and singing. The presence of God was evident. Of course, we had discussions regarding the technicalities of the wedding and with joined faith, we are certain that God will set things in place.

Later that night, we had the Kingdom Meal–the communion led by Pastor Ruffy and commenced in prayer by Pastor Ric. It was binding. It was joyful. It took us all into a deeper level of faith. Truly, God has His own ways of exalting Himself even in seasons as intimate as this. I thank God for all His interventions for only with His works are these things perfected and given more substance. Praises!

 If you wonder why Gen and I do not have a photo together? Well, I wondered first! No one remembered, I guess. We’re set to have our e-sessions this weekend, anyway!