Welcome to Autumn
by Jane Josephs
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” –2 Cor. 5:17a
As I was scrolling through YouTube channels last week, I came across a designer who was creating a decorative autumn arrangement in four easy steps using a grapevine wreath. She explained that the wreath could be used on a table, a door, or as a wall hanging. As she layered the different materials, each one building on the other, I couldn’t help but think of a gospel tract I used to hand out years ago titled, The Four Spiritual Laws by Bill Bright, co-founder of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). Here’s how my thinking went. See if you agree.
Choosing a foundation, whether for an autumn arrangement or for one’s worldview, is the first important step. Bare branches intertwined and bent to form a circle certainly fits the bill for a wall hanging. God’s love grounds a Christian’s worldview. Spiritual Law #1 says it this way: God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
The designer, a pretty brunette with a pleasing voice, followed her foundation choice with “background” material. This could be leaves, ferns, or any other foliage that has caught your eye, she explained. As she secured branches of brightly colored autumn leaves into the wreath, I was reminded that sin, attractive as it may seem, has, in reality, separated us from God’s love and the plan He has for our life (Law #2).
And, just as a wreath needs a focal point—perhaps a large, glorious hydrangea, a brilliant sunflower, or a beautiful bow—people are in desperate need of a Savior; someone worthy of our worship and adoration. Law #3 simply reminds us: Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for human sin and through Him alone can people know God.
The wall hanging was taking shape, but I could tell the focal point needed support. So, next, but far from last in the designer’s arrangement, came what I’m calling the “fillers.” These could be smaller flowers, berries, acorns, grasses, feathers, small toys, ribbon, or just about anything else one can imagine. But as I watched the process on YouTube, I marveled that the effect on the designer’s project was simple yet stunning. She gave careful attention to balance, form, color, and texture. She stepped back to observe her work. She applied finishing touches. She discarded what wasn’t working. It was the same effect that Law #4 has when “we individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord…”
The tutorial was complete. The host of the program hung her beautiful creation on the wall. And I thought to myself, God, who is our awesome Designer, is in the business of creating new things. He alone can transform the ordinary into the extra special. The old is gone, the new has come. Welcome to Autumn!
Dear Lord, You are an awesome God, our rock and our firm foundation. Help us when we’re tempted to sin to remember Your sacrificial love on the cross. Lead us to a deeper walk with You, for the glory of Your name, Amen.