Sanctuary

 

 

	Christ Chapel, formerly known as Saint Michael's built September 1,1866

St. John's Cathedral dedicated in 1921 designed in the Romanesque style, using the German cathedral of Mainz as a model	St. Michael's Cathedral dedicated May 25, 1902 built in the English Gothic style
Cathedral of The Rockies dedicated December 18, 1960, built in the Gothic style.	First Baptist Church
Central Christian Church	The Swedish Lutheran Church of the Augustana Synod built in the Gothic style and dedicated September 22, 1915

Boise was incorporated as a city in 1864.  Two years later the little pioneering community had dedicated their first church.   Most of the older churches shown in the above photos are located in the historic district know as the North End where I spent my early childhood years.  There's something about just the sight of a church that brings a sense of peace to me.  Even the little church ornaments we've purchased for our Christmas tree bring about a peaceful feeling.  I've wondered why that would be since really churches are buildings made of brick, stone, or wood and really have not means of providing comfort on their own. 

After giving this some thought, I think this might be the possible answer.  I think that it's not the church but the God to which the church is dedicated that brings peace to me.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

The scriptures tell us that it is Christ that provides this peace for us and I am extremely thankful for Christ's provisioning  peace.  It has been at some of the most devastating times of my life that I fled to one of these  churches and called out to God for his comfort.  Of course we can call to God from anywhere and anytime. It's doesn't have to be just from a church.  But for me during those times of crisis, the silence of the church & the crosses, windows and other items help me to focus and remind me of the greatness of God who can restore that peace to me when I cannot focus on God completely on my own.

But the scriptures don't only describe the peace and comfort Christ provides us here on earth during our times of trouble.  The scriptures speak of the peace of reconciliation Christ has provided us through the great sacrifice he made for us.  The peace that knowing regardless of all my short comings both in my past and the falls that will likely plague my future, I have that unshakeable promise from Christ that he will never leave me and that I am sealed with the Holy Spirit until the time when I will be with him in Heaven.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14