A Pillar of Faith

It was my first journey to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. I had entered the building through its very short entrance (stooping just to not hit my head) and stood in a long, pillared sanctuary. There were no pews or seats, just empty floors for pilgrims to gather and explore this church that has been used on the same site and with many of the same foundation and walls since 326 AD! All along the walls were hanging brass, silver and gold lamps of various sizes and designs. They were obviously from several different times and places. Some were ornate, others were simple, but the closer we got to the chancel area, the more lamps there were and the recognition that these were not there to simply light a darkened sanctuary.

Ostentatious is a good description of the display of lamps that adorned not only the chancel but also the grotto (cave) where the birth took place. It didn't occur to me at the time, but later after reflecting on the decorating sense of the orthodox monks I realized what those lamps and the various other decorations meant. They were simply memorials, left or given to recognize something God had done in the moment another pilgrim had come and been touched by the story, touched by God. Each item was commemorating an event and then the beauty of the sanctuary came into focus. What had at first glimpse had been an ugly sanctuary now became a beautiful sight of remembrance.

It's not uncommon for memorials to be given in honor of someone else. Yesterday we dedicated a new Christmas tree in our sanctuary, given in memory of June Stinson. (who chaired the worship committee at the church for many years.) Memorials in honor of people are normal in churches today, but what if we began to give memorials because of our significant experiences with God?

That's what Jacob did at Beth-el (house of God). After his vision, Jacob took the stone he was using for a pillow and set it up as a memorial. Some would question, "why?" Today, we'd write it in a book or attached a plaque to it so those who looked upon it would know why it is there. But in Jacob's day, a stone stood up in any place would be a sign to those who passed by that something significant had happened. And those who would see it would inquire, "what happened here?"

Standing stones are faith stories that should mark the path of our life journey.

I've never stood up a stone, yet I've had many significant events with God. I wonder what speaks to those who see my life journey? I'm wondering what "standing stones" I've left in my wake.

What marks your path?

Peace ><>
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