My face had been in front of a computer screen for hours doing book
edits, then I scrambled trying to pull together what I needed for a children’s
play practice. I wanted to get to church early to turn on the heat and lights
in the sanctuary.
I arrive feeling brain weary and frazzled. When I push open the
sanctuary door, I expect a blast of cold air. Instead, warmth envelops my
chilled body. Some wonderful soul had come early to turn up the heat. I had not
been able to participate in the hanging of the greens this year, so when I
flip the lights, the Chrismon tree seems especially lovely (These are my all time favorite kind of Chrismons, which are ornaments with Christian symbols).
I take a moment and sit in the quiet peace.
Sanctuary.
I breathe deeply and let rest come over my scattered life.
I close my eyes and relish this place apart.
The Merriam-Webster definition of sanctuary is “a place of refuge and
protection.” It originally comes from the Latin, sanctus, which means holy.
A holy place, that’s what I found that evening.
But more than a place, sanctuary is a Person.
God refers to himself metaphorically as the sanctuary.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says . . . I have been a sanctuary for
them in the countries where they have gone” (Ezekiel 11:16).
God reminds me that I may find that Holy quiet place in Him. Any time.
Any day. Anywhere I go.
During this busy time of year, what a comfort to know sanctuary is
available to us 24/7.
In an Advent guide I use, the designated meaning of the candle we light
this week is peace.
Friends, let us together find sanctuary,
that place of peace and comfort in His presence remembering that the one whose
birthday we celebrate was himself called the Prince of Peace.
If you're looking for a Christmas gift, Grace Publishing has just released an anthology called Merry
