The sealer, sat in the chair the entire time, with the exception of the moment he gave the sealing prayer. For about 5 minutes (no kidding), he spoke about how sealers had just been instructed not to give "advice" to newly married couples as a part of the sealing ceremony, and that he would not give advice. He said they had been instructed only to speak about the importance of the ordinance, and to focus on the ordinance and the priesthood. He went on and on about how these were new restrictions, and that he felt the changes were good because the church is focussing on the most important thing, the ordinance. During this entire speech, he remained seated. In a big room, it was very awkward.
It was the only ceremony I have been to where the sealer did not do the whole look into the mirror, and see eternity thing. He didn't do it.
And from an unnamed Utah temple:
The Utah sealer did not stand at all until the actual sealing prayer (this may be a cooincidence). Made the same comments about the new changes and the restriction on giving advice, and that he was instructed just to do the ordinance.
These comments came from: http://www.mormoncurtain.com/topic_temp ... 1174165690
So... has anyone witnessed a sealing lately? (It's been 2 years since I last witnessed a sealing). This sounds remarkable. They've essentially told the sealers to sit down and shut up! No more lame advice, no more hokey tales, no more looking in the mirrors to see "eternity", no more talk about loving each other, never going to bed angry, etc etc. Amazing!