‘As a Christian, I wholeheartedly celebrate couples like Zendaya and Tom Holland getting engaged, because of what it points to’

As Zendaya walked the red carpet and posed for photographs at the 82nd Golden Globes on Sunday night, it was her custom Louis Vuitton ball gown in “tangerine silk” (as observed by British Vogue) which caught everyone’s eye. Her whole look evoked Old Hollywood glamour and intentionally referenced several black Hollywood stars; paying tribute in particular it seemed, to Joyce Bryant - an American singer, dancer, and civil rights activist. Zendaya’s ongoing collaboration with stylist and ‘image architect’ Law Roach continues to deliver the wow factor and this was no exception - in his own words: “we don’t miss”. 

Any jewellery Zendaya was wearing - beyond her perfectly-paired Bulgari necklace, wasn’t immediately noteworthy.

Any jewellery Zendaya was wearing - beyond her perfectly-paired Bulgari necklace, wasn’t immediately noteworthy. But as influencers and media pundits dissected the evening with its outfits, speeches and celebrity sightings, they began to wonder why Zendaya was wearing a large diamond ring on a very significant finger. As the rumour mill went into overdrive, it was soon confirmed that yes, she is indeed engaged to boyfriend Tom Holland.  

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I’m a huge fan of them both - they seem grounded and thoughtful, not to mention multi-talented. With their lives already intertwined (they share two dogs and a home near Kingston-upon-Thames), marriage will be the seal on a relationship which has captured people’s attention ever since they first started dating in 2021. Prior to that Tom Holland made no secret of his admiration for Zendaya either, who appeared opposite him as MJ in ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’.  

So we’re only a few days into 2025 and it’s already a year for engagements. Zendaya and Tom Holland are now the second couple I know of (albeit in a parasocial way) who have announced their engagement since the beginning of the year. It came soon after friends from church contacted me to excitedly share their own engagement news. I couldn’t be happier for either couple - getting engaged is cause for celebration. But it’s not always easy for those who feel perennially single. It can amplify a nagging whisper which asks ‘will I ever meet someone?’ It’s a question that has resurfaced for me, despite being contentedly single. 

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As Christians we can’t ignore the fact that the idea of marriage is central to our faith. In the gospels Jesus upheld the principle despite ostensibly being called to singleness. His ministry began at a wedding - where he changed water into wine, and the whole story will conclude with his own wedding; described in scripture as the ‘Wedding of the Lamb’, where he marries his bride, the Church. This is not an exclusionary marriage; as the Church we all get to be part of it, regardless of our relationship status - single, married, widowed, divorced. As his bride, we are to ready ourselves for this glorious end-of-days wedding.  

In turn Jesus explained to his disciples at the last supper that he would be going to “prepare a place for them” - a home. This was customary before a husband-to-be married his betrothed (John 14:3). It could also be argued that the eucharist references marriage; it was Jewish custom to break bread and drink wine at weddings. So Jesus’ instruction to his disciples to do just that, remembering him each time they met together, could easily look to the future anticipating the celebration to come; as well as the undeniable significance of the crucifixion. It’s a refreshing perspective to add to the usual solemnity associated with communion.  

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And so, even though I’m single and asking myself again whether I’ll get married; I’m careful to remember that even if I do, it would pale in comparison to the ultimate marriage we’ll experience as the Church, Jesus’ bride. That’s why I can wholeheartedly celebrate couples getting engaged, because of what it points to, especially for Christians. Rather than perceiving it as a status symbol, milestone or stamp of approval; marriage is a sign reminding us of the joyful union with Christ we can all look forward to and participate in as followers of Jesus. 

As Revelation 19:6 says: ‘Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad  and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.’