Celebration Hymnal #764

Words: Steffi Geiser Rubin; Music: Stuart Dauermann

Based on Isaiah 55:12

You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace;

The mountains and the hills will break forth before you.

There’ll be shouts of joy and all the trees of the field will clap, will clap their hands.

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

The trees of the field will clap their hands.

The trees of the field will clap their hands.

While you go out with joy.

Wow! I am always amazed by the transformation of nature at this time of year.  It seems as though only a week, or two, ago we were looking at bare branches, dormant grass, and mud. Oh, and a light May snow. Now, there are leaves on most trees, some of the early spring flowers have gone by and new summer flowers are appearing in abundance. The grass is greening up nicely and growing thicker with each passing day.  You really should go out with joy and praise the resurrection of Mother Earth in all her glory.

We are fortunate to live in New Hampshire where mountains are part of the landscape; their majesty, a constant reminder of the creative power of God. Their lofty peaks a visual reminder of Christ’s ascension to heaven.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic many people have taken to walking, biking, and hiking as ways to escape the confinement of home. Communing with nature has always been medicine for the soul. As you walk listen for the wind rustling through the leaves, hear the shouts of joy as the trees all clap their hands. Listen to the birds singing God’s praise.

Take a walk along a picturesque lake that reflects the shoreline vegetation and mountain peaks. The cool water teaming with life in a constant cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Allow nature to fill you with the joy and peace of Christ, then with all creatures on earth and all the company of heaven join the unending hymn of praise.