“Then God said, ‘Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years.’” (Genesis 1:14 NLT)
Our God is timeless – God who was, who is, and who is to come. But our timeless God seems to have a peculiar preoccupation with time. It’s right there in the creation story: God creates the sun and moon and stars to mark the seasons.
People mark the seasons too. As fall turns to winter, the holidays march one after another. All Hallows Eve (Halloween) and All Saints Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas mark off the calendar with the comfortable regularity of long habit and family tradition.
Each holiday brings its own rituals that connect us in memory with people long ago, and tie our children and grandchildren into the tomorrows to come. Each holiday offers a moment to pause and rest, take a moment out of the hectic pace of daily life, catch a breath, reflect.
Life also has its seasons. The rambunctious spring of childhood gives way to the strong green summer growth of young adulthood, the rich harvest of a mature autumn, and at last to the quiet winter reflections of old age.
God cares about time because God cares about us. Indeed, Genesis 2:1-3 concludes the creation story with a most remarkable statement: The vast array of the heavens and earth are completed, and God rests on the seventh day, making this a holy day. God commands us to rest too.
The idea of a seven-day week and a day of rest, is unique to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is a gift from God, a holy time for refreshment and reflection, a marker in the rhythm of life.
Life is a brief swim in the ocean of time, preparing us for a glorious eternity with God. Sabbaths, seasons, and holidays are the regular ticks of the clock that help us appreciate both time and timelessness. Whether you are enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap, a brisk autumn day, or a Thanksgiving family dinner, think about the gift of life and the promise of rest and eternal life. Give thanks to the Lord who marks the days and seasons for us!
Grace and peace, Pastor Park