Merry (almost) Christmas! In this 4th week of Advent I have been thinking about what and where is my sanctuary.  As Chad asked us in worship, where is the place that makes you feel like you have “come home”?  Is it a place?  Is it a person?  Is it solitude by a river or beach or mountains?  Where do you find your sanctuary?  I find that I have several places where I feel like I have “come home”.  My family, my church, my friends, a walk on the beach with the sound of the ocean and birds, and also the southwest area of our country –  especially Native American stomping grounds.  All these bring me a sense of peace and a feeling of “coming home”.  

As I read Sunday’s poem in our “Close to Home” Advent Devotional, it reminded me of not only the places that I find sanctuary, but it also reminded me that for all of us, by opening our doors and our hearts, we can be a place of sanctuary, a “home”,  for others.  Just as God is saying “Come on home,” may we all strive to bless others with a loving place of feeling welcomed – a feeling of  “coming home”!  

I wish you all a very Blessed Christmas, and good health and joy through 2022!
Sandi  

Below is the poem “Come on Home” by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed, for those of you who did not pick up a devotional!

Come on Home
We all know the feeling
-the shaky ground,
sinking sand,
water-is-rising,
sun-is-fading feeling
that makes steady breathing
an entire miracle,
and holding back tears
a marvel in and of itself.

And when those days come,
I call my parents.
And I call my church,
and I call my friends,
and they say in unison
what God has said
from the very beginning,
which is, “Come on home.”

Is there anything more healing 
than an open door?
If you’re seeking sanctuary,
if the waters are rising-
listen.
It may be hard to hear,
but God is always saying,
“Come on home.”  

Christmas Carol Sing (5pm) – https://youtu.be/Y1716o_4gfw
Christmas Candlelight Service (7pm) – https://youtu.be/Kezi9HA9ZZ0