Advent 12/12/22 Sacred Space

Sanctuaries
Monday, December 12

Isaiah 30:23-26 (The Message)

God will provide rain for the seeds you sow. The grain that grows will be abundant. Your cattle will range far and wide. Oblivious to war and earthquake, the oxen and donkeys you use for hauling and plowing will be fed well near running brooks that flow freely from mountains and hills. Better yet, on the Day God heals his people of the wounds and bruises from the time of punishment, moonlight will flare into sunlight, and sunlight, like a whole week of sunshine at once, will flood the land.

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What images come to mind when you think of sacred spaces? Are the spaces made by human hands or are they found in nature? Regardless of the origin, I think it helps if the structures are old or very large. I remember walking in a California redwood forest among some of the oldest and largest creatures on earth. I felt a sense of serenity and connection to God along with everything in that sacred place. Within Cooper’s Rock State Forest in WV, there is a place called Rock City. Gigantic boulders line the hiking trail and in that space I like to think about the long geological processes involved in creating such an environment. I saw strength, protection, and permanence among the rocks. Perhaps you’ve visited an old church where the building, the people, and the music have created the perfect sanctuary - a place to escape from your busy life or from the troubles of the world. All of these sacred spaces are sanctuaries where we can feel closer to God or perhaps where we will be still just long enough to listen.

This scripture mentions that even during war and troubling times, we are provided with places to find rest and healing. There are cool, life-giving waters flowing from the hills and there are abundant green pastures. There is a promise of sanctuary and prosperity. The planted seeds will find moisture, grow, and multiply. Livestock will have plenty to eat and will thrive. God’s people will be healed. Light will flood the earth and overcome the darkness. There will be joy!

The days of Advent are typically short and cold for us in western Ohio. I hope we can each find time to visit a sacred space. When you find one, reflect on the joy and anticipation of our Savior’s birth.

Closing prayer: Lord, please open our eyes and hearts to the sanctuaries you have already created where we can find rest and healing. Prepare us, Lord, to be a sanctuary for others so that they may also draw nearer to you. We anxiously await the birth of your Son, the Light of the World. Amen.
 
-Don Trisel