A Tsimshian Wedding

Sunday, February 10, 2013
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "The Lily Of The Valley"1 (Lyrics)

Matthew 25:35 – For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me. (AMP)

I remember, as if it were yesterday, attending a Tsimshian wedding. Many years ago, my husband and I travelled up the west coast of Canada, to share the wonderful message of the gospel of the living Christ. For our financial support, we represented over fourteen wholesale companies based in Vancouver, British Columbia. We called upon the many small retail stores tucked away at the end of inlets, or hidden in small communities, forwarding their orders to the various companies to be shipped directly by freight to the stores.

We had just tied up at the Klemtu float on Swindle Island, and I had slipped up to the small local store, alone, no doubt to purchase some candy! When the church bell began to ring, naturally I asked the storekeeper the reason. "It's telling everyone that the wedding is just about to begin, and you are invited." I was amazed! "But I do not know the couple." "But you are invited just the same," continued the storekeeper.

Together, my husband and I attended. We were not dressed in fancy city clothes. It did not matter. We were welcomed, we shared the head table with our very new friends, and we received gifts. Most important of all, we shared the wonderful joy of the occasion.

We were strangers, and we were welcomed and fed. Although our background and our lives were totally different, they accepted us as equals, equal in every respect, to receive their love and friendship. Indeed, how privileged we were — strangers — and yet we were invited to share the most important occasion in two young lives. I do not remember their appearance or their names, but the most important person amongst the guests no doubt was our precious Saviour, and with confidence, we have left them through the years in His care.

Jesus tells us in today's Scripture that when we welcome others in His name, He is welcomed. Strangers become friends, and new members of the family. May God give us grace to welcome others as Christ welcomes us.

Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, with joy we remember that Your Son, Christ Jesus, performed His first miracle at a wedding, a time of joy and newness, two lives starting on a new course and a new beginning together. We also remember those who have welcomed us into Your family. Thank You, Father, for Your Son, Christ Jesus, who bids us welcome strangers into Your family. Amen.

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About the author:

Vena Poole
(deceased)

1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Good work all around, Thank you Vena!


    Wonderful devotion and reminder Vena. God bless.


    Without receivers what would givers do? God made us both.


    Dear Vena: All I can say is AMEN!
    Blessings on your day!


    Vena, what a wonderful story this was and thank you for sharing with us today. I also thank you for the reminder you gave us here also. May the peace of the Lord continue to be with you.


    Thank you Vena Poole for your lovely devotional. Thank God for his open invitation for us to the wedding feast of his Son, who gave himself, the just for the unjust, so that he might bring us to God.
    Keep writing.


    Dear Vena,
    I really enjoy your story “A Tsimshian Wedding”.
    Thank you.


    Dear Vena,
    Lovely story. What a privilege.
    Blessings,
    (England)


    Thanks Vena for your devotional and for reminding me of many enjoyable hours spent in the company of the missionary to the First Nations of North Vancouver Island as we travelled from church to church for meetings on the week ends.
    Blessings.


    Your devotional brings to mind the Shantymen’s mission. If I remember correctly their vessel was named “The Messenger”. God always provides.


    Good Morning Vena:
    I love your messages. They always give me so much to think about and so often they take me down two or three different highways.
    What a strange situation, being invited, at the very last minute, to the wedding of someone you had never seen, met and of course, did not know. You’re going to the wedding and having such a wonderful time was a great lesson for all who will read your message because it demonstrates good food, love, and friendship often conquers even those who do not know us personally.
    Your message also reminds me of the fact that Christ, even though we have different backgrounds spiritually, is inviting us, with open arms, to come to His beautiful reception where we will be showered with love, acceptance, friendship, a spot at the head table and the gift of eternal life once we accept His gracious offer to join His family by accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
    I truly loved this devotional; there was so much food for thought.
    I am delighted you had such a wonderful time at the.
    Blessings.

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