'Into the ark' at Christmastime

Originally appeared on spirituality.com

This is the time of year in Oregon when I can’t help but think about the Bible story of Noah’s Ark. As rain pours down day after day, having an ark doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. One December, I was reading this story and was touched by God’s invitation to Noah to “come into the ark,” along with Noah’s wife and children (see Gen. 6:18).

Noah had built the ark to God’s exact specifications. But what if he hadn’t actually ever gotten around to entering the ark? What would have been the point?

God didn’t tell Noah how to build the ark and then leave him standing next to an oversized boat in his back yard. At the right time, He graciously invited Noah inside to a place of safety. Refuge and sanctuary are often mentioned in the Bible, and bring up comforting images such as the ark.

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