Heaven and Nature Sing

            In the days leading up to Christmas, I was looking at weather maps and all of the dire warnings about the massive storms that were to come.  It looked as though many of the major airports in North America would be affected.  It also seemed as though creation itself was conspiring against all forms of travel over the holidays.  “STAY HOME” seemed to be the big, bold message in behind the weather forecast.

            All of this took me back to the beginning of the pandemic, when creation could breathe again because of the shut-downs.  At least some people of faith believed that the pandemic was a protest of sorts from the created world – warning us of all that is to come if humanity continues to use and abuse the earth and all its creatures.

            In suggesting this, I am not trying to personify “the universe” as some people do who don’t believe in God’s direction and action.  Rather, we find in the Scriptures many references to all of creation joining together in praising God.  One of these places is Psalm 98, which is also the basis for the carol, Joy to the World.

            In Psalm 98, all the earth is invited to make a joyful noise and burst into song.  The sea is to roar, the floods clap their hands, the hills sing together in joy, and the humans sing and play instruments in order to praise God.  At the same time, those who observe animals know that they, too, can “make a joyful noise.”

            Elephants are known to “trumpet” in order to celebrate the birth of a newborn.  Dogs are known to jump up and down with excitement when their humans finally come home.  Birds have happy songs, relaxed chatter, and angry or protesting noises.  Cats purr and smile – but they will also let you know if they are scared or needing to assert their independence. At the same time, we find in Scripture that creation can mourn, and languish, and groan.  In Isaiah, the heavens and the earth languish together (24:4).  Even way back then, Isaiah said, “the earth lies polluted under its inhabitants” (v. 5).  We also hear in Romans 8 that the whole creation groans, waiting to be set free from bondage.

            All of this is to say that we are inter-connected with the rest of creation and with all living things.  It is also (at least for me) a reason to re-evaluate any unnecessary travel.  We have gotten used to being able to go wherever we want – but how long will this last, and what habits might we need to change?

            The longer ending of the Gospel of Mark includes the command: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (16:15).  Perhaps you would like to reflect with me on what this might mean.  Traditionally, we have mostly thought about sharing the good news with other people.  How might we make our lives such that all of creation receives good news?

            I am aware that these are weighty questions with no easy answers.  We also need to think in terms of what we can do rather than the things that are outside of our control.  Some things are only in God’s hands, and some things call for our participation.  As we embark on a new calendar year, may we walk with God in such a way that heaven and nature can sing!

            In Christ,

            Pastor Lynne Hutchison