Spring is slowly approaching. Day by day, my ranunculus and carnations are beginning to bloom again. Carnations are a Mediterranean plant, likely present at the time of Jesus. Some Christian traditions speak of carnations springing up from the ground where Mary’s tears fell as she wept for her son on the way to Calvary. Every time I see them in flower, I am reminded that creation itself testifies to the sorrow, hope, and love at the heart of the gospel story.
This has led me to reflect on how the seasons shape our understanding of the liturgical calendar. From childhood I’ve noticed how odd it can feel to see the northern hemisphere celebrate Christmas with snow and Easter with eggs and baby chicks. But as new life begins to burst forth in my backyard, I find myself reflecting again on Easter. So often, we talk about how all creation is given new life through the death and resurrection of Christ. Yet here in Aotearoa, when we step out of church on Easter Sunday, it is autumn. Instead of daffodils pushing up through the soil and blossoms bursting on the trees, we see leaves falling and the earth preparing for sleep.
I wonder how our relationship with the cross would change if Easter aligned with spring for us in the southern hemisphere. Would resurrection feel different if we were surrounded by fresh green shoots, new lambs, and the fragrance of flowers returning? Paul calls Jesus the “firstborn of creation” and the “firstborn from among the dead” (Colossians 1:15, 18). When spring arrives, I am reminded that in Christ, God is reconciling all things – renewing not just humanity, but the whole creation (Colossians 1:20).
In my work, I am often reflecting on this truth: Jesus is the firstborn of new creation, and we are invited to partner with him in seeing his Kingdom come – here, now, in our neighbourhoods, gardens, and churches.
That is why the Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October) is such a gift. Around the world, Christians of all traditions set aside these weeks to pray, reflect, and act for God’s creation. For us here in the southern hemisphere, it beautifully overlaps with the bursting life of spring. It is a chance to remember that God’s Spirit is still calling us to join in the renewal of all things.
With the Season of Creation drawing to a close in the next week, I encourage you to consider if there is an opportunity for you to engage with creation this month. It could be as simple as pausing each day to pray in your garden, as intentional as hosting a creation-focused worship service with your church or small group, or as practical as organising a community clean-up or tree planting. However you choose to celebrate, let it be a reminder that creation itself is praising God (Psalm 148), and we are called to join the chorus.
🌱 Find ideas and resources at ecochurch.org.nz/season-of-creation — and make a plan to celebrate as an individual, a household, or a church community.
