The idea that creation sings may seem an odd one. Of course birds sing, often very beautifully. And whales. Also gibbons, mice and bats. Even humans. As Christians we especially sing in praise for the way that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus have reconciled us to each other and to God.

But does the whole of creation sing? Christians would say that it does. And that the church is called to join in its song.

This is a theme from the book of Daniel onwards. When the three young men survive their terrible persecution by Nebuchadnezzar, they join in song with all creation. O, all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord! O, you whales, and all that move in the waters! Praise him and magnify him for ever.

Centuries later Saint Francis delighted in all the works of God's hand. He saw the maker's mark in his brother, the sun, and his sister, the moon, who all come from the same source. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun was a song of praise to God from creation. Today we sing a version of this in a familiar hymn: all creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia.

Creation sings with joy not only at the wonder of its existence, but also to celebrate that it is being restored. During Jesus’s earthly ministry people saw this clearly. God was working to restore the beauty of creation in the divine Word through whom all things were made.

In Genesis the tree of life symbolises the perfection from which human sin separated us, as we were driven east of Eden.

Because of that sin and separation, the Cross was necessary. It was made the new tree of life, ensuring not only reconciliation for human beings, but also that this restoration of creation finally will be achieved.

We in our continued sinfulness often work against God’s intention, wreaking damage, rather than working for restoration.

But still he has promised that restoration will take place through a new heaven and a new earth. At the end of all things, when God’s purposes are fulfilled, the tree of life grows for ever, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Creation sings because its restoration is sure. The church joins its song of praise, and prays for grace to participate in the divine work of restoration, especially at this time of year, as summer nears its end.

Some churches have a special season of worship throughout September. Some will hold Harvest Festivals. Some will be involved in the events of Winchester Green Week from September 21st to 29th. Some will remember Saint Francis around the anniversary of his death on October 4th.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favourably on your church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; and let the whole world feel and see that things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are returning to perfection, through him from whom they took their origin, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Rev Philip Krinks