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Copyright 2005 St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I write this letter, it is the last official day of summer. Of course that means tomorrow is the first day of autumn. Already we can see the signs of the season. The leaves on some trees have already begun to fall. Others are beginning to change their colors.
In Genesis it is recorded that God created the trees and all other vegetation. Some of the trees were deciduous (trees that lose their leaves such as oak, maple, etc.) others were coniferous (evergreens which bear cones). During the autumn season, the deciduous trees captivate our attention with their brilliant colors. We take special trips to view the colors of the season and inhale the fresh smell of fallen leaves. The image of a country lane is never more glamorous than when the leaves are dropping from the trees.
Still, we know that this is a transitional season and that on the other side of autumn comes winter. Those trees that were so lush and full during summer and so colorful during autumn will eventually become dormant and the branches bear.
The conifers are not like that. In some ways, they almost seem to disappear amidst the colors of fall. The attention is given to all the other trees and their passing beauty. The evergreen does not seem to gain any special attention until the splendor of this season has vanished. Nevertheless, they retain their green color through out the seasons of the year. They become a picture for us of everlasting life.
This world exposes a similar distinction between two types of people. There are those people that appear flashy and beautiful. They demand the attention of our eyes. Many pursue them and follow after them not realizing that their season is only for a short time. Other people are consistent and faithful. Their devotion is often unrecognized because of the quiet yet constant life they live. .
As we come together in our worship, we pattern ourselves after the evergreen. This tree's persistent nature is not found only its color but also its shape. Long after the leaves have fallen from the other trees, these conifers retain their color and also their form. The color green is the color we associate with life. The shape is like an arrow constantly giving credit to the source of life Jesus Christ.
It's tempting in this life to crave the attractive stuff and lifestyle of this fallen world. It tends to become a priority for us of what we want to have and who we want to be. Autumn is a good opportunity for us to reflect upon the FALLen nature of humanity and where such pursuits will eventually end. In Christ, we have the opportunity to live not just now but eternally. It was on the tree of the cross that Jesus endured the season of death for fallen man, so that our life would not be seasonal. Those things that seemed so glamorous did not last.
Maybe, as we rake the leaves this year, we can remember who cleaned up our mess. Jesus had it all piled upon Him and, on the cross, endured the flames of Hell as our sins and guilt were consumed by the wrath of God. The smell of burning leaves might remind us of the sacrifices of the temple and the pleasing aroma that went up to heaven. Jesus was that sacrifice for us so that we might not lose our life but keep it. And that we should ultimately gain an even greater glory that will never pass away.
Let me encourage you to remain faithful and constant in your devotion for God and His church. I am sure that there are hordes of things and people that are clamoring for your attention. Those will not last forever. God's grace in Jesus Christ will. It may not appear glorious or glamorous now but in the end, its glory, its beauty, its brilliance will never perish, spoil or fade.
God be with you,
Your Pastor
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