Advent Calendar 3: Sacred Time is Sacred

          This first week of Advent, we've been looking at "sacred time." We sometimes use the word “sacred” to mean “inviolate,” as in “I hold that as sacred,” or “that’s a sacred cow.” Used in that sense, that which is “sacred” doesn’t necessarily have to do with something hallowed or holy, but just something that cannot be touched or changed.
          But what if we considered “sacred time” as “sacred”? What if we considered the time we spend connecting with the diving, working on our relationship with God, in worship, service and prayer as something so precious we wouldn’t even consider touching it?
          It is so easy to push our “sacred time” aside. Other parts of our lives push themselves to the front burner, make more noise, demand our attention. After all, what’s the harm if we don’t make it to church this Sunday, or spend time this morning in prayer, or don’t take a meditative walk today?
          But this “sacred time” with God is also time for ourselves – time to reconnect, to recharge, to refresh. It is Sabbath time – a sacred gift of time when we have need of only one thing – the peace of God.
          When I was last in New Mexico, I spent a Friday evening with Rabbi Nahum Lev and his wife – self-proclaimed evangelists for the Sabbath. The beauty of commitment to Jewish law which requires observing the Sabbath is that the “sacred time” is set for you – you know when it is (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday), and it is the LAW you must follow – it is inviolate and cannot be touched.
          In Jewish tradition it is also time with family – gathered together in the home to light the Sabbath candle and say Sabbath prayers. Then sharing a meal, stories, and maybe a song. Rabbi Nahum told us that one of the things this does is confirm the worth of all of us – that we are worthy of God’s time. God comes to rest at our home for Sabbath. And we rest in God.
          But for the rest of us, keeping Sabbath, a regular “sacred time” is not a matter of law but of choice – which makes it more difficult. We need to chose when to set time aside, how much time to set aside, what to do with that time.
          Rabbi Nahum suggests that it may be better not to try to observe Sabbath all at once – but to start out small. Maybe start with just 30 minutes a week; or just light a candle on Friday night and say a prayer. But make it a regular habit. And once you begin, consider it “sacred” – something you must do, time that cannot be changed or touched by other events or concerns that come up. Set that sacred time  -- however much it is – aside for you, for your family, and for God. Accept God’s precious gift that is “sacred” time. God is worth it – and so are we.
          -- Rev. Christine Ng