ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- If you’re breathing somewhere in the world, chances are you have heard about a particular wedding happening in London. The last time I checked, the last nuptial ceremony that generated this much excitement was with Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

Kate and William

I was a wee lad living in Albuquerque when the previous wedding occurred in July of 1981. And now I am a father of three—living back in Albuquerque—during this current spectacle. Like St. Patrick’s Day, when the whole world is Irish for a day, so too with this event: we are British for the day (or maybe the month—with all the news coverage being tossed our way).

The bottom line is that many people love royal (and particularly British) weddings.

But this is not an article about the British Royal Wedding. Rather, it’s about another “royal” wedding that just occurred, highlighted through ASSIST News Service: Rebecca St. James.

Before I discuss the uniqueness of her wedding, I must confess something to you: I don’t know much about her music. But I won’t let that stop me from acknowledging the beauty of what occurred in San Diego on April 23, 2011.

What makes Rebecca’s marriage to Jacob Fink unique is that she married the man of her dreams—with purity. Meaning, no sex happened prior to the marriage. Now hear me here: I’m not assuming anything about Kate or William. That’s none of my business.

Rebecca St. James leading worship at Calvary of Albuquerque, one week before her own wedding.

But what I am applauding is the public nature of Rebecca’s purity stance. As Dan Wooding in his ASSIST News article, stated, “Included in the ceremony were special moments that included the couple’s exchange of the purity rings each had worn prior to their marriage.”

How cool and rare is this?

According to a news report written by Sharon Jayson for USA Today, “Almost all Americans have premarital sex, says a report published Tuesday that analyzes federal data over time and suggests programs focusing on sexual abstinence until marriage may be unrealistic.”

The article goes on to state, “Of those interviewed… 95% reported they had had premarital sex; 93% said they did so by age 30.”

With such large numbers showing a downward spiral for “waiting,” it truly is a wonderful thing to see a couple exchange purity rings. Well done, Rebecca and Jacob.

But I won’t stop here. Not only am I impressed with Rebecca’s purity stance; I also respect her dedication to her ministry.

I can say I know a little about her commitment to ministry because I was with Rebecca and her wonderful father, David Smallbone, a week before the wedding. Yeah, I said a week. They weren’t dashing around a shopping mall. They were three states away—ministering to people.

I know this because I was with them in New Mexico. What brought them to Albuquerque? Rebecca was leading worship at Calvary of Albuquerque. All this just six days before her wedding.

Now compare this with the other Royal Wedding. It seems like preparations have been taking place for months and months. And particularly within the last week. Emphasis on the week.

But with the other “royal” wedding, it seems to me that Rebecca St. James understands something grander: that serving God is an awesome privilege. And more importantly, in the large scope of things, it is about the ultimate Royal Wedding described in the book of Revelation that counts the most.

Marriage Supper of the Lamb

In the marriage scene described in Revelation, we see people from every tribe coming together to meet the true Royal Groom, the Living Lord, Christ Jesus. The true Royal Wedding is about the Divine Groom and His bride.

And instead of tuxedos and flowers, this Groom is concerned with wiping away tears of pain, healing broken hearts, and caring for the poor in spirit. As the Spirit says in Revelation 22:17, “Come! And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

This Groom invites all people to His wedding.

You see, the ultimate wedding is not just about two people saying vows: it is about the vow God has made with His people through Christ—the time when all will come to Christ as a bride to her loving Groom.

So I challenge you during this wedding barrage to take time and think about the day when you will be part of the true Royal Wedding.

And if you are not a Christian, this is the perfect time to say, “I do” to the Groom who will never leave or forsake you. His love will stand throughout all eternity. His marriage will last!

Brian Nixon is a writer, musician, minister, and family man. You may contact him at www.briannixon.com