New Year's Theme

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Sample Weddings

Spiritual But Not Religious
Unitarian Universalist
Non-denominational Christian
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Multiple Elements
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A Celtic Flavor
On The Beach
Civil / Secular
New Year's Theme
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If I Had it to Do Over

 

  The following is an example of a custom ceremony for a couple who might want a service that goes beyond the basic elements of a civil ceremony, but stops short of mentioning any particular religion. It incorporates the symbolism of the new year into a decision to marry on that date. 

The way it is written, it should be suitable for a wedding on either December 31 or January 1. With appropriate reading substitutions, it could also be adapted for multi-cultural New Year traditions.

  • Opening Words
  • Reading I
  • Exchange of Vows
  • Exchange of Rings
  • Hourglass Ceremony
  • Reading II
  • Blessing and Bell Ringing
  • Declaration of Marriage

 

OPENING WORDS 

The occasion of the New Year is more than merely one of celebration, but of reflection and renewal. Many influences and events brought us to our present moment and a variety of aspirations and relationships will serve as guides in the coming year._____________ and _______________ chose today to bring us together to celebrate the love and respect that brought them to this union. Our blessings, hopes and loving regard for _______________ and _____________ affirm and celebrate their commitment.

When we love, we do not love all the time precisely the same way each and every moment to moment. However this is what most of us have come to expect. We often have too little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, and of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist its ebb. We needlessly fear it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity, when life gives us the gifts of transition and growth.

The new year will not, and should not, be a repeat of the last. It will build upon the previous year’s flowering and become the root for the year to follow. Embrace the changes that will come in your marriage, they are the means to growth and strength.

 

READING I

A new year is beginning to peak through
softly beautiful and different like new falling snow,
each day unique and shaped just for you.
Your life adds something, as each day does grow.
My wish for your new year is beauty
and softness with surprises thrown in for delight.
Love for each day bringing happiness to you,
making your life a scene of sparkle and shining sunlight.

- Author Unknown

 

EXCHANGE OF VOWS 

Love between a husband and wife means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of the other as yourself. Burdens will be lighter because you divide them and joys more intense because you share them. No other vows are more solemn than these you are about to declare to one another. Please join hands as you repeat after me. 

________________, you are my one true love,

my best friend, my soul mate....
You complete my spirit and compliment my soul...
Before our family, our friends and the heavens

I pledge my love to you...
I promise to share the rest of my life with you....

I will stand by your side…

in times of loss as well as times of gain.
I will trust, respect and celebrate you.
I will laugh, play and enjoy simple pleasures with you.
I will be there and comfort you always.

I pledge my fidelity as long as we both shall live.

 

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Although we mark the passage of years with a beginning and an end, in truth our time together is not a line, but a circle. As the circle can begin anew at any point, so we too can choose any date on which to reevaluate and renew our relationship to life. The ring has long been a symbol of the sincerity and permanence of a couple's love for one another and regard for their marriage. As the circle can begin anew at any point, so a good marriage can pick any point to renew itself. These rings are symbols of your eternal love.

Please repeat after me. 

____________________, I give you this ring 

as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.

As I place it on your finger, 

I commit my heart and soul to you.

I ask you to wear this ring 

as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today

And know that every moment in time 

is the beginning of a new year for us.

SAND / HOUR GLASS CEREMONY

________ and ____, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings. Today this relationship is further symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand.

One, representing you, ________ and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever be. The other, representing you, __________ and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the hourglass, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. 

An hourglass marks the passage of time, but like our spirit and relationships, can always be renewed. The important thing is to remain mindful of the contents and strive to replenish one another each time we run low. 

 

READING II

New years are a chance for a beginning
Even when there hasn't been an end.
Wheels turn in an interminable bend,
Yet, marked in one spot, seem to wobble spinning.
Each year we hope to do a little better
Although we know that really nothing's changed.
Reason thinks that everything's arranged,
So we must dream if we would fate unfetter. 

- Nicholas Gordon

 

BLESSING & BELL RINGING

At the sound of midnight chimes, a new year begins

And our spirits raise in renewal and expectation.
At the peal of joyful wedding bells
We lift up our hopes to the promise this special music ushers in.

May your misfortunes be few and your pleasures many,
your hopes and dreams fulfilled.
May your special union stand in the face of loss
and give you strength and courage to rebuild.

May the peace and love in your hearts fill all your days
May each moment bless your lives together
and keep your souls interdependent, united and whole.

(Lead the guests in ringing their small keepsake bells)

 

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE 

____________ and ___________, you have made special promises to each other symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and the giving and receiving of rings. Your friends and family have blessed this union and rung in your life together as it begins with the new year. By the authority vested in me as _____________ I pronounce you husband and wife.

 

Rev. Ann Fuller,  2006

 
 

Email: brevardminister@cfl.rr.com                  Phone: 321-255-9086

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