Song of Solomon 2:10–13
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Where it fits in the ceremony
Scripture readings usually come early in the ceremony, after the officiant’s opening words and before the vows. Churches differ on translation, and a Catholic wedding Mass draws its readings from an approved list, so check with your officiant before you print this one in the program.
Pair it with
Two readings that balance this one, one sacred and one secular:
- Invitation to Love — “Come when the nights are bright with stars” — Paul Laurence Dunbar welcomes love in every season.
- A Birthday — “My heart is like a singing bird … Because my love is come to me.”