Autumnal Equinox

The first day of fall is tomorrow. (Bye, summer - you were fun, but I'll take cool and crisp over hot and humid any day!) We've had a few fall-ish days already this year, so the transition has begun. Soon we'll be thinking of hay bales and mums and pumpkins and (as Lutherans) Reformation Day (which other folk call Halloween).

And of course, being New Englanders, we'll discuss the foliage. As amateurs ("Boy, would you just look at that maple--have you ever seen anything so vibrantly beautiful?"), and as professionals ("Yes, Jim, the Whites are at 97.6% right now and the Valleys are at full peak!") Leaves are big business as well as a free show for those who live here.

But did you know (of course you did, unless you're from away--and that's okay--I am too), did you know that the leaves don't actually change from green to gold, or red, or yellow. No, the green chlorophyll blocks the true colors of the foliage, and it's only when the tree stops making that greenish chemical that it slowly recedes and those true colors come shining through.

Easter is most often associated with the season of spring, but in light of the above, I think it has a firm connection with fall as well. Sin, manufactured by us deep in our roots, effectively coats us with its taint--effecting how we are viewed and how we view others. Jesus dies (on a tree!) and takes away the consequence of that sin, catching up all our 'green-ness' in himself. And then our true colors shine through--the authentic humanity with which we were created, bursts through again--free, and looking to light up the world with God's love and beauty. We who once were over come by a tree--our sin by a tree has been overcome!

As the trees change this year, think about how your true colors can be seen by others and so glorify your Father in heaven. Gold--like treasure--your tithe to the less fortunate and to Christ's mission through the church. Red--the color of blood--your giving of yourself as a disciple of Christ. Orange--as in the sunrise--each day dawning is another day to enjoy and care for this creation with whcih we are entrusted! Your true colors are humbleness, generosity, steadfastness, and all those fruits of the spirit--the spirit given us a baptism.

Happy Fall One and All!
Pastor Tom

PS As the air grows chill, Lisa and I head out fro Bermuda for our special "Lisa's Christmas Present, but Not For Our Twenty-fifth Anniversary or Tom's Birthday--Even Though Those Are Definitely Associated with It" Cruise. See you in a week! PT