“Treasures of Darkness” illustration by Gary Gaede
Advent Day 21 – Saturday, December 22
“Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.” Psalm 96:12
I have always felt close to God while out by myself, in nature, enjoying a walk in the woods or fields. It is there, alone in the quiet of God’s creation, that I feel the presence and goodness of God’s love in a most profound way. Perhaps it’s because the distractions are few and the noise is less that these times alone in nature are so special to me.
The beauty of God’s world reminds me of the love God has for all of creation. So often amidst the darkness of a world sickened by sin, we forget that God is still God, and this is still God’s world, and we are still God’s creation.
In God’s wisdom and love, God created us, and all of creation, good—we must never forget that, for this is how God intended creation to be. Although sin has cast its dark shadow upon our world, God never has, nor ever will, turn away from us. Just look at the cross and you will know this to be true.
There is hope for tomorrow, there is hope for creation, and there is hope for you and me. This is God’s promise to us, light in the midst of darkness. May this hope bring its light and peace to our world each day!
Gracious God, open our eyes to the beauty of your world, that we may know your love for us and for all things. Amen.
—Pr. Tim Lemme