Aisle, Altar, Him

Today’s message was written by the founder of Dial Hope, the Rev. Roger Kunkel

Have you heard the story about the bride who was extremely nervous on her wedding day? She confided to the minister that she was not sure she could make it down the long aisle without shaking or crying. So the minister, a seasoned veteran of weddings, gave her a bit of advice: “When you begin your walk,” he said, “just remember this three-point formula: First, look straight down the aisle; second when you get about half-way look straight up at the altar; and third when you get near the front of the church, look straight at your groom. First, the aisle, then the altar, then him. I think this will help relieve your nervousness.” 

The trembling bride agreed to try his advice. And it worked beautifully. She walked with a radiant glow on her face and poise and confidence in her step, with no sign of nervousness. However, there was one small problem. Imagine the surprise of the congregation as they heard her rhythmically repeating three words over and over as she performed her bridal walk: “Aisle, altar, him. Aisle, altar, him.” 

“Aisle, altar, him!” Well, the truth is, most brides don’t have a lot of luck in altering their husbands. But the good news of the Christian faith is that God can alter us! God can change us. God can redeem us. God can turn our lives around. As a matter of fact, the change God can bring in our hearts is so amazing that when Jesus talked about it and described it, he used dramatic language. He talked about “new birth” about “new life,” about “new beginnings,” about being born again.” He said, “Unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Friend of Dial Hope, this is the good news, the TA-DA! for today. Believe it and claim it! 

Let us pray: God of love, How great Thou art! We thank you for the good news that we can grow and change; we can rise to higher plains of personal living; there is hope in the midst of our despair; there is joy in spite of sadness. Now fill us with the radiance of this day so that your love may stream in and through us, bringing light and life to a world that often walks in shadows and death. Through the risen Christ, we pray. Amen.