According to Merriam Webster, sanctuary has two independent, yet related meanings. For those who celebrate their faith in a church, the sanctuary is the most sacred part of the building. The sanctuary is the place where The Word is read, the altar is front and center, and the pastor strives to inspire the congregants with words inspired by his or her thoughtful communion with God.
Most people treat their church sanctuary with respect and act appropriately within, in recognition that there is something special about that place. But beyond that, they don't think much about the implications of what sanctuary really is.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
T'is the season of Lent, a period of waiting and preparation for Easter, the holiest of Christian festivals. We celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and his conquering of sin on our behalf with sunrise services, the Easter bunny distributing candy to all, and little girls in new hats, frilly pastel dresses and shiny white shoes. But for the 40 days before the great celebration, we are instructed to reflect, to ponder and to apply the lessons of the life of Jesus, so that we can more closely follow in his footsteps and worship him.
One of the ways many Christians observe this period is by giving up something they value to honor and memorialize Christ's sacrifice for us. It is intended as a noble action, a sharing of the pain Jesus experienced for us.
One of the ways many Christians observe this period is by giving up something they value to honor and memorialize Christ's sacrifice for us. It is intended as a noble action, a sharing of the pain Jesus experienced for us.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Shiny clouds...
Clouds are an interesting phenomenon. They can obscure or they can enhance, they can be thick or thin, they can be threatening or bring blessed relief. No matter what they look like, they are a universal experience.
Although we tend to immediately think of the sky upon hearing the word cloud, there are many more types of clouds in the world. We can have "clouds" of mosquitoes in the summer time. We can have clouds of dust rising up from a gravel road on a dry day. We refer to storm clouds brewing as a metaphor for trouble between two parties.
In the Bible, clouds are mentioned in another way. In Hebrews 12:1 we read:
Although we tend to immediately think of the sky upon hearing the word cloud, there are many more types of clouds in the world. We can have "clouds" of mosquitoes in the summer time. We can have clouds of dust rising up from a gravel road on a dry day. We refer to storm clouds brewing as a metaphor for trouble between two parties.
In the Bible, clouds are mentioned in another way. In Hebrews 12:1 we read:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...."When we join with other believers, we form an impenetrable object, a cloud of righteousness, that can not be defeated.
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