The last time you went out for a drive or a walk, did you notice that the trees are demonstrating their brilliant colors for all to enjoy? The trees are decked with red, orange, purple, and brown leaves – all with many varying sizes, shapes and color. I can remember back when I was in grade school that our teacher gave us an assignment to gather some fallen leaves from different types of trees. We were to catalog them per their respective tree and provide a short description. The leaves were to be placed between transparent sheets – so they could be easily viewed, yet, preserved. I can still remember that we searched for the largest leaves we could find – those that would nearly fill the page – so that their brilliance could be observed and enjoyed.
Have you ever wondered why the leaves change color in the fall – beyond the “scientific” reason (that is, as winter approaches, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis to occur; thus, the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves)? Some may argue that the leaves changing color is just a dismal reminder that winter is soon approaching and that our days will soon be short on sunlight and cold to endure. These same people will state that there is nothing in their lives to be thankful for – and this is primarily due to them not looking at what they do have; but, only looking at what they don’t have.
I will contend, however, that the changing of the colors is God’s manner of heralding the bountiful harvest, and as well He calls for a time of heartfelt thanksgiving. (If you will note, this year’s corn / soybean harvest are going to be a bountiful yield in our area.) Notice the following passages from God’s Word. Exodus 23:16,
“And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.”
Psalms 26:7,
“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”
Leviticus 22:29,
“And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.”
Psalms 116:17,
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.”
I will also contend that the changing of the leaves should serve as a reminder for heartfelt thanksgiving – for our eternal hope and our relationship in Jesus Christ. Consider the following words from God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 4:13-18,
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 9:11-12 states,
“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;”
So, what do the changing leaves remind you of – thanksgiving or despair? If it is the latter, maybe it would be a good time for you to go out and pick up a few of God’s brilliant leaves and press them between the transparent pages of your heart for all to see. For, therein you will find a heart of thanksgiving and rejoicing. My prayer is that you will truly enjoy God’s proclamation of harvest!
