Waiting for the Groom

It was exactly one year, one month, and nine days ago when we first met Cedric and Krizza. Our introduction came through a mutual friend named Kyle, who visited us shortly after we arrived from the Philippines. From that meeting, a journey began. Cedric and Krizza became part of our church family at Greater Seattle Fil-Am Church, attending services and participating in many of our programs.

After several months, we grew closer to them, but we never expected the surprise they shared a year later during a conversation in California. They revealed that they had entered into a dating relationship, and soon after, they asked me to provide pre-marital counseling to prepare them for marriage. As with any wedding, there were many details to consider—family attendance, finding the perfect venue, and more. Eventually, they invited me to officiate their wedding at Cannon Beach, one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. I felt honored to accept.

A day before the wedding, we arrived in Oregon, stayed overnight at a hotel, and explored the city the next morning. Then, we gathered by the beach to witness their union—a beautiful moment that reflected God’s gift of love and commitment. As I stood there, officiating the ceremony, I couldn’t help but reflect on a deeper truth: the relationship between Christ, the Groom, and His church, the Bride.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) came to mind. Just as in the parable, there seemed to be a delay in the arrival of the groom, and not everyone was ready when he finally came. Only those with oil in their lamps—those filled with the Holy Spirit—were prepared to enter the wedding feast. This parable teaches us the importance of being spiritually prepared and waiting faithfully for the return of Jesus, our Groom.

The wedding also reminded me of another crucial truth: Jesus will only come for those who have entered into a true covenant with Him. He is not only a Savior but also the Lord of our lives. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” Today, many claim to know Christ, but only those who live in obedience to His Word will be welcomed when He returns.

My dear friends, as we wait for the great wedding feast of Christ’s second coming, have you accepted Jesus not just as your Savior, but as the Lord and Groom of your life? Have you committed yourself fully to Him through baptism and daily obedience? Remember, when Jesus comes, it won’t be about the bride—it will be about the Groom. Our lives should reflect Jesus in everything we do, so that when He returns, we will be found ready.

The Groom is coming soon. Are you prepared to meet Him? Have you given your life to Him fully, living every day in anticipation of His return? Let us be ready, for the day of the great wedding feast is near.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7)

Will you be ready for the grand day when Jesus, our Groom, returns? He is coming soon!