Making Earth Day Holy

“The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

– Psalm 19:1

Did you know ... today is Earth Day? Earth Day should not only inspire us to be more aware of our environment and become the good stewards God has called us to be, but it should also be a time when we stop and thank God for all of His creation... the majesty and awesomeness of our world.

What scripture tells us about being good stewards of the planet ...

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15

“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number;

fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air

and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” - Genesis 1:28

“It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your GOD

are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.”

- Deuteronomy 11:12

As I was writing this story, I was doing some reading about different Good Friday observances and came across the words of a chant from an evening worship service. As I read the words, they triggered these thoughts about what Earth Day and Good Friday have in common...

Jesus, who hung the earth upon the waters, is the same Jesus that hung upon the Cross

Jesus, creator of plants and trees, thorns and thistles, the same Jesus who is King of the angels, was arrayed in a crown of thorns

Jesus, who created the colors of the rainbow and wraps the heaven in clouds, is the same Jesus who was wrapped in the purple of mockery

Jesus, who shows us His majesty with every sunrise and sunset, is the same Jesus who showed us His glorious Resurrection

It’s Friday, Let’s Sparkle ... action required ... As Christians, our priority is to share the Good News about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, but until our time on earth is done, we are also called to be stewards of the earth that God created. This year since Earth Day happens to fall on Good Friday, I got to thinking about how we could make our Earth Day celebrations a little more holy.

Here are just a few ways we can incorporate some “earth day” ideas into our Easter activities...

Plant:  spring flowers or a small tree are great ways to make our yards come alive with the newness of spring... why not put some extra plants in small containers and share with your neighbors?

Clean Up:  gather a group of friends and do a quick clean up around the outside of your church building... just in time for the Easter crowds

Recycle:  it’s a great time to turn those bottles and cans you’ve been collecting in to cash, what better way to thank the Lord for all His goodness than to put a few extra coins in the offering on Easter morning ... or use it bless someone in need this Easter

Repurpose:  bring some of God’s creation to your Easter table.... gather some branches in containers and decorate with hanging eggs and crafted butterflies... add vases of flowers ... or what about decorating with eggshells repurposed into containers for jellybeans and votive candles

Give Thanks:  take a prayer walk with your family or friends and enjoy the perfect balance of God’s creation and the fellowship of loved ones ... or go on a nature walk alone, enjoying some peaceful time with God amidst His wonders

Learn More:  a great family resource is a book entitled “I Love God's Green Earth” by Caroline and Michael Carroll ... this book will attract eco-friendly kids and teach them how creation care can actually draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to help kids apply both the biblical and environmental lessons, and a “What Can I Do?” section with a takeaway activity.

For the past two years, I have enjoyed attending an outdoor sunrise Easter service. What an amazing way to feel connected to God’s creation and praise Him right in the midst of it all! No matter how you choose to celebrate Easter, I pray that you will remember our world is the place where we spend our days on earth until we can join the Resurrected Christ for all of eternity!

He died, He is Risen... He will come again!
Easter Blessings, Donna Weaver

Easter is a promise that God renews each spring.
May the promise of Easter fill your heart with peace and joy!

Click here for instructions to make eggshell votives:  http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=468b2e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Feaster-crafts-and-treats