Poetry has a way of expressing emotions that are hard to put into words. One such poem is the “Blessing of the Hands.” This poem has been recited during wedding ceremonies to symbolize the couple’s union and unity. It celebrates the bond between two people who pledge to build and love each other for eternity. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and significance of the “Blessing of the Hands” poem.
The Blessing of the Hands Poem: A Deep Meaning
The “Blessing of the Hands” poem is a piece of poetry that symbolizes a union between two people. The poem compares the hands of two people who promise to love and work with each other for eternity.
“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day…”
The poem starts with these powerful verses expressing the love, affection, and care these hands hold for the bride/groom. On the wedding day, these hands are joined together, promising to be there for each other, for better and for worse.
It further describes how these hands will work together, side by side, to build a future.
“These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.”
The poem is a beautiful reminder that the future of the couple is shared, and this is possible only through mutual support and cooperation.
The Significance of the Blessing of Hands Poem at Weddings
Many couples across the world include the “Blessing of the Hands” poem in their wedding ceremonies. It is a way of celebrating the bond between two people and the promise of loving each other for eternity. It also marks the beginning of their journey of building a family together.
The poem is significant at weddings as it reminds us of the importance of unity and cooperation in a relationship. It serves as a reminder to the couples and their families to be supportive of each other and to celebrate their journey together.
The History of Blessing of Hands Poem
The origins of the “Blessing of the Hands” poem are unknown, but it is believed to have originated from an old Irish tradition of hand-fasting. Hand-fasting was a pre-Christian tradition in which two people pledged to be together for a year and a day. During this time, their hands were tied together as a sign of their commitment.
Over time, hand-fasting evolved into the modern-day wedding ceremony, and the “Blessing of the Hands” poem became a symbol of unity and love.
Conclusion
The “Blessing of the Hands” poem is a beautiful piece of poetry that celebrates the bond between two people. It symbolizes the union of two hearts, and their promise to be together for eternity. The poem is significant at weddings as it reminds us of the importance of unity and cooperation in relationships. By including this poem in your wedding ceremony, you can celebrate your journey together and pledge to support each other through thick and thin.
FAQ
What does the Bible say about blessing the works of our hands?
In the Bible, there are many verses that talk about the importance of hard work and the blessings that come as a result. One such verse is found in Deuteronomy 28:12, which says, “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.”
This verse is part of a larger passage that outlines the blessings that come from obedience to God’s commands. It tells us that if we are faithful to God and work diligently, he will bless the work of our hands and provide for all our needs. This is a promise that we can hold onto, knowing that God is faithful to his word.
The Bible also teaches us that our work should be done unto the Lord, and not just for our own gain. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse tells us that when we work, it should be done with excellence, because we are doing it for God and not just for ourselves or our employers. When we have this perspective, we can be sure that our work will be blessed, because we are working with the right motivation.
In addition to working hard and doing it for the Lord, we should also be open to God’s leading in our work. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” By committing our work to God and seeking his will, we can be sure that we are on the right path and that our efforts will not be in vain.
The Bible teaches us that when we work hard, do it for the Lord, and seek his will, he will bless the work of our hands. By following these principles, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit and that we will be fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives.
What do hands symbolize in Christianity?
In Christianity, hands are powerful symbols that carry a great deal of meaning. They represent divine approval and specifically acceptance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. The Bible tells us that Jesus was crucified by being nailed to a cross through his hands. This is significant because it shows that the hands were considered as the gateway to the heart, representing the entirety of a person’s being, and the symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind.
Additionally, hands are often associated with healing in Christianity. Jesus was known for healing the sick, and many of his miracles involved him laying his hands on the sick. This act is symbolic of the power of God flowing through human beings to heal and transform the world.
Hands are also symbols of God’s protective care and strength. Psalm 91:11 tells us that God will command his angels to “guard you in all your ways” and “lift you up in their hands.” This demonstrates the power of God to protect and save his people from danger and harm.
In Christian art, hands are often depicted in various poses that have specific meanings. For example, the “benediction” gesture, in which two fingers are extended while the others are folded into the palm, represents the two natures of Jesus Christ, human and divine. The gesture is often depicted in portraits of Christ and other holy figures.
The hand also plays a significant role in the story of the Ascension of Christ. In some depictions of the event, the hand is shown reaching down and clasping that of Christ, as though to pull him up into the clouds. This symbolizes the acceptance of Jesus by God, as well as his ascension into heaven.
Hands symbolize many things in Christianity, including divine acceptance, healing, protection, strength, and the ascension of Christ. They are powerful symbols of God’s presence in the world and his care for his people.
