The theme of the issue is the bride and bridegroom relationship between Christ and His church and the affections and activities that flow from that relationship.
“Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:2527).