Fall Comes Singing

READ: LEVITICUS 23:40; 1 CHRONICLES 16:33; PSALM 96:11-13

Leaves are tumbling,
twisting,
turning…

Limbs are blowing,
bending,
bowing…

Trees are bursting,
billowing,
blooming…

As the woods
commence their praising,
joyously parading…
Bright yellows,
Deep reds,
Burnt oranges—

I praise Him for
this taste of Joy
whenever
Fall comes singing.

I’ve always found fall to be joyous, but when I discovered Scriptures that exhort trees, mountains, and hills to join in praise to the Creator—I began to love this season even more! To me, beauty is like a giant footprint in the universe, pointing to a Creator who revels in joy. This joy is so foundational that even when we experience the dire cost of sin—to us and to all of creation (Romans 8:18-23)— this undercurrent of joy remains tangible. It surfaces in the delight we have in something as simple as seeing a sunset or hearing a beautiful song. And this joy gives rise to something we all crave: Hope. I believe that’s what beauty ultimately points to—because although the world has been broken by sin, God sent His beautiful and holy Son Jesus to set everything right. Jesus is our surest Hope and the highest Beauty we desire. • G. Kam Congleton

• Why do you think beauty exists? When you see something beautiful in nature, what is one way you could take a moment to rejoice in this beauty and offer praise back to God?

• Some Bible passages name specific reasons for creation to rejoice in God. For example, Psalm 96:12-13 says one reason is that Jesus will someday return as the Righteous Judge of the earth. Ultimately, creation rejoices in Christ’s redemption of all things on the cross. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 55:10-13.

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 (NIV)