2020 Hindsight: Sanctuary in the Sanctuary

Words, in the English Language, often have multiple definitions.  On the 341st day of 2020, my thoughts have been consumed by the word sanctuary.  Dictionary.com lists 6 definitions of the word sanctuary and I find these three as the most meaningful to me.  1) a sacred or holy place. 4) the part of a church around the altar; the chancel. 6) immunity afforded by refuge in such a place.  We started off 12/6/2020 on Zoom Church (it is Sunday after all) and, when in Zoom Church, our Living Room becomes our sanctuary.  But today was special (and not just because it was Communion on the 1st Sunday of the month).  Today we got to go into Old First Reformed UCC.  Yes, the Church Building at 4th and Race.  No, we did not hold services there.  Alexa and Anna were recording some music to use in an Advent Service on the Grand Piano in the sanctuary with the Christmas Tree in the background.  And we brought Michael a Christmas Tree because we want the outside of the Church to be festive during the season.  And we taped the lighting of the Advent Candles for Advent 4 (since we are a family of 4).  So, I got to sit in a pew, and listen to the piano.  And, as I was sitting there, I felt as if I had refuge.  Refuge from the cooped up feeling of pandemic life.  Refuge from the monotony of the days, stuck inside.  My 2020 Hindsight was sanctuary in the Sanctuary.  I feel that we were lucky to have those fleeting moments at Old First today.  And it was a reminder of what is to come, in future months, when the virus is under control (it WILL get under control).  And, in the theme of this Advent Season for me, it gave me hope.  I cannot wait to be back, regularly, Sunday mornings at Old First.  Until then, I have this picture, and the memories of the music washing over me as I felt sanctuary in the Sanctuary today.