The Colors of Fall in the Smokies

 

Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness. (Psalm 96:10–13 ESV).

 

The setting for the photo I’ve attached is looking toward the south from the John Oliver Cabin in Cades Cove. Two things are apparent as I think about this place at this time. First, though life was hard during the days in which the Olivers lived in this idyllic setting, a cup of coffee from their front porch toward this view must have given them great satisfaction. The harvest was in, they had stored food for the winter soon coming, and a moment of reflection was easy. My second thought is what that reflection might have been. The colors of fall are have often been seen through Christian symbolism and biblical themes, representing God's creation, the character of Christ, and the natural rhythms of life and faith. For me, I am taken to our reading today from Psalms. Additionally, I think of three distinct truths.

 

First, Fall reminds me to wonder. This time of the years the creativity of God just shouts at you: “Look at these amazing things!” The creativity, diversity, detail, and stunning beauty of God are just everywhere in this season. I know that the colors of the season are different in other parts of the world. Where I live (North Texas) the colors are short-lived and certainly duller than in the Smokies. However, it is still a loud reminder of the wonder of God’s creation. No wonder David wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” (cf. Psalm 19). Creation is amazing! And it’s all made by a God who never stops creating.   

 

Second, Fall reminds me to trust in the Lord. When I feel the crisp autumn air and see the kaleidoscope of colors and smells, I am reminded that God is with me. That God is in this. His hand is on creation—sustaining, renewing, and restoring. God isn’t a dead stone statue that sits on an altar somewhere; He is a living, personal, and creating God! His presence exists in the cycle of seasons and the changes around us. And He reminds me that He is worthy to be trusted. He reminds me that His promises to renew and restore creation are just as true for me.

 

Third, Fall reminds me of the sacrifice of Jesus on my behalf. Inevitably this beautiful time will fade into winter’s chill and silence. The changing colors of leaves reminds me that death is happening. Winter is coming; death is a part of life. Just as the leaves are slowly fading unto death, so too am I. That is not me being maudlin. It is me reminding myself that heaven is waiting for me; and, it is greater than anything every imagined in the mind of man (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9).

 

It’s a sobering thought—that just like Fall, none of us lasts forever on this earth. But here is where the beauty of this season comes in. It also reminds me that death isn’t the end. One man broke through the death of winter and brought new life! Jesus spent three days in death – much like the brown leaves I see withering in the dirt.  But just like the trees will come to life again in the spring, Jesus came back in everlasting glory.  Jesus broke the curse of death for you and me.

 

Death has no sting; winter has no bite. With Jesus we will flower again in the eternal glorious presence of God. What a promise!