In a world where fantasy and fairy tales are smudged by reality, a certain simple maiden received a most wonderful gift! In a certain majestic kingdom, the Ruler and King looked upon His Son and decided to give him a bride. His eyes passed through all the fair maidens in the land seeking one who could make His Son complete.
As a common young girl, she was chosen to be the future wife of the Prince of the land. Handpicked by the King himself, she was most humbled. There were so many young maids in the kingdom certainly better than she. To be so highly favored was frightening, yet an honor most sought after by many others. But she was fearful and doubtful, so aware of her own shortcomings and imperfections. "Such a grand Prince deserves the very best," she said to herself. "And I am most definitely not the best!"
Denying her destiny, she ran away, trying desperately to leave the kingdom. Surely the King would not find her, for He had so many in His land to care for...
But the King, all-knowing and all-powerful, knew exactly where she was and sent His servant to bring her home again. He went out to seek her.
After running so long and trying to hide from her destiny, the young girl found herself lost in another world of empty hopes and dreams. She knew where she should be but was fearful and knew after running, she would never please the King or the handsome Prince. She felt a failure. The servant sought out the maiden and found her; he came upon her and in His quiet way, began drawing her home again.
"Why hide from who you really are?" he asked. "Why run from such an honor?"
"But I am unworthy!" she cried. "I am unclean, I am a failure. I am flawed and not worthy to touch the hem of the Princes' garment! And yet you say that He WANTS me?? It cannot be!"
"Ah, but it can be," he smiled. "The King and His Son know everything about you. The King has watched you grow from a little baby into the young woman you are becoming. He has seen your weaknesses and your faults, yet He sees in you a greatness. He sees you seated in His palace, helping to rule His Kingdom. He knows what you are capable of and who you are meant to be."
The young girl paused and listened. The servant told her how much the Prince loved and needed her, how the King had sent for her. He spoke of how it did not matter what she saw of herself, for the King looks at more than the outer appearance, or the past. Slowly, she began to believe the faithful servant. He was comforting and gentle.
"I will go," she said. "Lead me back to the Kingdom, please."
The servant smiled, took her hand and led the young girl back.
There was much rejoicing when they entered into the gates! All that were in the Kingdom celebrated the return of the future Princess. The servant led the young girl to the King and with an heavy heart, she repented for running away.
"My child," He said with a tender lovingness she had never seen before, "you are back!" He smiled as He took her in His arms and hugged her. "You are forgiven. It is no longer in my mind."
The young girl wept as she clung to her King.
"There, there," He said at last. "No more tears. It is time to celebrate! Go prepare to meet My Son."
Off in her chamber, she made herself ready. She had never laid eyes on her Prince but was in love with Him already from the stories the servant told her on the way back into the Kingdom. He was praised and admired by all. He was wonderful, mighty, and known to all as a ruler, a healer, a friend and a King. Handsome and strong, righteous and just, He brought peace to all. She could hardly wait for the wedding! The time was near.
It was time to meet the Prince.
All was still, the Kingdom was silent as she was escorted up to meet the Prince. She stood before the King and suddenly, there He was! The Prince! She could hardly breathe for He was more than what she had been told. He was fairer and mightier than she could have ever imagined! Her fears of unworthiness began to resurface but then she looked into His eyes and saw a love beyond any she had ever known or seen before. He wanted her!
As He stepped closer, He took her hand and said, "My love, finally you are here!" He held her close as He said, "I have a built a house for us, wait until you see it! Thank you for coming to Me!"
"But You chose me!" She replied.
"That I did, yes," He said with a smile. "But I would never force you into being mine. You were not made a puppet, you are a human with your own choices, your own decisions. Yes, I chose you...but you also chose Me..."
The King stepped forth and said to the maiden, "This is My Son, your bridegroom. He is called the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. He is called Wonderful and Mighty. He is the Christ, His name is Jesus."
Then, looking out into all the land, He announced to the Kingdom, to the heavens and to all the earth, "and this is His beautiful, spotless, Bride..."
