One of our newest Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregations celebrated a wedding this Christmas Eve after Utah’s ban on same-gender marriage was struck down.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Pastor Steve Klemz officiated the marriage of Jan and Naomi the afternoon of December 24, officially uniting the couple marking their 20 year relationship.
From “The Herald,” Zion’s newsletter:
Dear Jan and Naomi:
Here we stand in this sea- son of light and love, re- ceiving this Christmas greeting from John, the Gospel writer:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the dark- ness did not overcome it.”
The light that shines is the very presence of God, shining in and through the Christ Child. Wherever this light shines there is love, because God is love.
Here we stand on this Christmas Eve, not only celebrating how love is born, but celebrating how love is born anew for you and in you through holy marriage. Of course, this is what you already know in your heart of hearts. Today we celebrate blessing, not only for you but through you so that, together, you are a blessing for others.
You see, the scripture from John could also be translated in this way from the Greek: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it.”
In so many ways, our society, our culture and the world around us have been in the dark. We did not understand the gift of light and love. But in your heart of hearts, you knew and embraced the light that shines, a love that shines. And, created in God’s own image, your heart reflected God’s own, proclaiming in your rela- tionship these past 20 years, that “it is not good to be alone.”
Jan and Naomi, thank you, and we give thanks to God for you, for your witness to the light which the darkness cannot always under- stand and shall not over come.
And may the blessing of Almighty God, keep you in God’s own light and life and love and joy and peace, in and through Christ.
Message shared by Pastor Steve Klemz, officiating the marriage of Jan and Naomi on Christmas Eve afternoon.