It seems that suddenly Spring is upon us, warmer and longer days, and the ever-present signs of new life springing forth. My Nectarine tree is about to burst forth with blossom, and the first lot of seeds for vegetables for the church fair have been planted.
September is also the time in the church calendar when we pause and to take stock of the role of creation in our relationship with God. Creation is an important part of the biblical story, we are from its beginning in the garden in Genesis, and in Revelation the ending is the garden.
Revelation 21:22—22:5.
- Our church traditions each acknowledge the importance of creation:
- The Presbyterian church has for many years spoken of mission in terms of the five faces of mission: the last being The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand believes it is called by God to work with others in making Jesus Christ known through – Caring for God’s creation.
- The Methodist church has committed a decade for Climate Justice entitled: to Rekindle the Va of Papatuanuku Rekindle (light up again) the Va (the relationship between humans and the earth) of Papatuanuku (earth). It has the focus on the following 2023 – 2024 Zero Waste, 2025 – 2026 Climate migrants, 2027 – 2028 Water, 2029 – 2030 Energy/Transport, 2031 – 2032 Poverty reduction / food creation and sharing.
It is easy for us to get discouraged and downhearted about our world, the challenges and pain and suffering that people face, both individually, in our families, locally, nationally and internationally. And yet God through creation offers all of us wonderful hope. A couple of examples from Holy Scripture:
- Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Hope Offered: This passage assures us that everything in creation is held together by Christ. This gives hope that nothing is beyond God’s control, and everything has a purpose in His plan. - Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies
proclaim the work of his hands.”
Hope Offered: The beauty and vastness of creation continually speak of God’s glory, providing a constant source of hope and assurance of His presence.
Some practical ways to encourage you on your journey of caring for creation.
- Many research studies show spending time in creation is so good for us in many ways – mentally, physically and spiritually. Make some time this week to spend time in nature and give thanks for this beautiful world God created. Step back and smell the roses as they say. Plant something in the garden, walk in your local park. Share with a friend or family member what you saw, heard and experienced. Give thanks to God for creating such a precious and amazing world.
- Pray. We don’t have all the answers to the challenges we face, but sharing our feelings and challenges with God lightens us.
- Learn more about the challenges we face. One of the greatest injustices of our time is that the people least responsible for the impact on creation and climate are often the most vulnerable to its impacts.
- Have conversations: many are surprised to hear that Christians are interested in creation and caring for our shared home. This is an opportunity to share faith, and how caring about this planet and every living thing on it is not somehow antithetical to who we are as Christians, but rather central to it.
- Take a stance of being for our environment. Encourage and lobby our leaders and politicians not to just choose their decisions on an economic basis. Together we can reset towards a more just, compassionate and sustainable society. Together we can build a world that reflects God’s justice and desire for all creation to flourish.
A Prayer for Walking in the Season of Creation
God of Earth and Sea and Sky,
we give thanks for the gift of life,
for the goodness and wonder of all creation.
As we walk in this Season of Creation
may we walk with joy and gratitude in our hearts,
for the whole community of life.
May we walk with humility,
with all our senses open,
so that we grow in awareness,
and in our sense of connection
with the natural world.
May we also notice the ways,
in which humanity is hurting creation.
May our walk help us to change the way that we live,
and to live in right relationship with the Earth.
Let us walk for a more hopeful future,
and sow seeds that create justice and healing. Amen
Ngā manaakitanga. Blessings of the season!
Mark Gibson
Every blessing as you share the blessings of Christ.
Rev Andrew Howley