Shabbat Shalom Lecha Dodi

"Shabbat Shalom Lecha Dodi" that is, Sabbath peace to You, my Beloved.

All over the world, people are welcoming the "Sabbath Bride," a mystical personification of the Sabbath. This notion of a Sabbath Bride or Queen has deep roots in the Scriptural understanding of this lovely Day that our Lord looks forward to with intense delight.

He longs for the Wedding Feast, and the Day in which the Bridegroom whispers to His Bride, "Come, lie down with me in Rest." And She responds, "Willingly, my Beloved!"

May we also call His Sabbath a delight, as we look forward to His Coming. And until then, may our relationship with the Father continue to blossom...

Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Thru the storm, through the night, lead me on to the Light
Take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me home.

Ah Precious Lord, I know how prone I am to wander, to skip ahead, or to lag behind. Hold my hand, Dear Papa... let me walk with You. And please don't let go of my hand.

Until all this is sorted out, and we behold the Beloved face to face... Let us greet each Sabbath with faith, hope, and love... Faith that He has paid our Bride-price, hope in His return, and Love... Love for Him first, above and before anyone or anything else.

Erchamcha, Adonai... (I love You Lord) and Shabbat Shalom to YOU, my Beloved!

Oh... heh heh... and to you too, all you Echoes near and far. You are loved.