Ιδού ο Νυμφίος έρχεται…. idou o nymfios erxetai (Greek Easter), Holy Week Καβαρνός Kabarnos Νικόδημος Behold, the Bridegroom come in the middst of the night; εκκλησιαστικοι υμνοι 4th Plagal Tone. 8th Tone

This is the beautiful combination of the sublime accordion playing of Andy Cutting and the wonderful voice of my dad, Roy Bailey singing a heartbreaking song written by Tommy Thompson and Stretch Herrick, called Light Years Away. They recorded this on Roy’s 1997 CD, “New Directions In The Old”. This is what Roy says about it .. “At Towersey Festival in 1994 I heard Debby Mclatchy sing this. The song refers to the legend of Evangeline – a tale of love and constancy from the 18th Century. French speaking inhabitants of Arcadia (Nova Scotia) were sent from their homes to become refugees in New England (Louisianna). Families, friends and lovers were often split up, sometimes never to meet again. The couple of the legend were separated on their wedding day. For the remainder of their lives they searched for each other. His bride, when she was old, finally found her bridegroom on his death bed. The shock was so great it killed her. Debby also said that one of the authors of the song now suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and sadly has no recollection of having written it. He has forgotten but I hope others won’t.”

Script : The church choir was rather outdated, so they had something different prepared for the bride and groom…..a pretty girl, a choir of seminarians and a new song!

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11) On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version) 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Spiritual warfare!! Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version) 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Revelation 18:23 (English Standard Version) 23and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and(A) the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for(B) your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived(C) by your sorcery. Colossians 3:1-4 Rules for Holy Living 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.