'Bride of Christ' celebration set for Dec. 19 at Venue

“Is that wedding music I hear” was the opening line of a Top 40 gospel song a few years ago. “There’s a heavenly preparation for the celebration …,” the song goes on, adding that “The bride is adorned and waiting … .”

You can read about that event in the 17th verse of Chapter 22 in the book of Revelation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him that heareth say, ‘Come.’ And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (KJV)

A city-wide celebration, “The Bride of Christ,” to honor that Scripture will be held, with all the customary bridal trimmings, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at The Venue at Coosa Landing.

“We want everybody to come!” — that is the invitation for this special celebration, according to information provided to The Times. The wedding celebration will feature praise dancing, singing and individual testimonies. “Give your gift to the Lord; giving our hearts to God and feel the presence of the Lord,” the invitation read.

Tayla Cox, who has headed the nonprofit “Feasting at the King’s Table” feeding of the homeless and “those less fortunate” at the Elliott Community Center and other locations in Gadsden for the past several years, is the sponsor for the celebration, which will be followed by an elaborate reception. A co-sponsor is Kamala Aaron, who has been serving faithfully with her husband at the Elliott Community Center for several months.

“We have all three of The Venue’s meeting rooms reserved,” said Cox, owner of Love's Taxi Service. “Everything will be done just as in a real wedding. The chairs used will be white wedding chairs, we’ll have a special wedding cake that will cost upwards of $2K, flowers. This program is for all the people — rich, poor, those with homes and those without a home. Everybody is invited to attend this program of 'The Bride of Christ.'”

Cox amplified her appeal for all to attend by pointing to Revelation 19:5-9: “Then a voice came from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!’ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting ‘Hallelujah! For our LORD God Almighty reigns. 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. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.) Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” (KJV)

According to other information about the Sunday afternoon adventure, Cox said transportation to The Venue will be provided for people who don’t have a ride. “We will have white limousines at several locations to pick up and deliver; we want everybody to come who wants to come,” she said.

There is no admission charge to attend the program. “I’ve been trained to believe God will provide,” Cox said. “He has provided every need for my nonprofit business as we’ve fed untold numbers of people during the past years.”

More information regarding the program can be had by calling Cox at 256-691-9449 or Aaron at 256-441-3663.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Bride of Christ event honors Revelation passage