In the late nineties, I lucked upon an amazing tv show that was on for less than one full season. It was called Nothing Sacred and centered on a local Catholic parish in an inner city neighborhood. It quickly became controversial because it dealt with sensitive issues and caused religious people to clutch their pearls. Rather than be drawn into a conversation around tough topics, opponents insisted the show be canceled, and ABC eventually did just that.
But before the show was cancelled, they featured a Christmas episode called "Hodie Christus Natus Est" - "Today Christ is born" - the title of a variety of Christmas songs and Gregorian chants. It is one of the most beautiful shows I have ever seen, and I think of it literally every Christmas. When the parish encounters two Salvadoran refugees, whose story eventually is revealed through the show, the staff declares sanctuary to protect them.
If you aren't familiar, according to the History Channel, "The concept of sanctuary predates Christianity, going back at least as far as Greek and Roman temples that offered protection" to those in need. You'd be surprised how often it comes up in books and movies - and how often it actually happened throughout history. In this episode of Nothing Sacred, however, the scene is so powerful. Threatening to cancel their packed house for Christmas Eve service, the staff stands up one by one to protect those in need, speaking out loud, "Sanctuary." More happens in the story - but I just love this scene so much.
While I assume no one reading this will have found themselves clinging to church doors in order to save their lives as those in history have done, or hopefully not having to flee violent circumstances, I also recognize that we are all in need of acceptance, grace, and love. Jesus called us to offer - and accept - both. No matter who we are, we are all in need of that promise - and for the goodness of sanctuary.
At Sanctuary Groups we know the importance of safe spaces. We aren't a church - and we aren't trying to be - but we can help offer sanctuary - a place of rest and reflection. We all need safe spaces to explore our lives, be accepted, have fun, and build trust. We can offer sacred circles where we can just be ourselves. No keeping up with the Joneses - just places to feel loved and included, supported and encouraged. Places to laugh and learn and practice loving your neighbor - and yourself. Unfortunately those kinds of places can be hard to come by in a big city like Atlanta. You can help us create them - by being part of them!
I wish Nothing Sacred had survived and given us more inspiring stories, but we have our own beautiful stories to share. We are strong enough to wrestle with sensitive subjects, and to sort through the gray areas. And, we are kind enough to listen to each other and share what is important to us. Here's to more opportunities to talk about all the things that truly matter in 2025. You're always welcome at our table! Let's declare a new form of Sanctuary together.

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