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READ: LEVITICUS 23:40; 1 CHRONICLES 16:33; PSALM 96:11-13\nLeaves are tumbling,\ntwisting,\nturning\u2026\n\xa0\nLimbs are blowing,\nbending,\nbowing\u2026\n\xa0\nTrees are bursting,\nbillowing,\nblooming\u2026\n\xa0\nAs the woods\ncommence their praising,\njoyously parading\u2026\nBright yellows,\nDeep reds,\nBurnt oranges\u2014\n\xa0\nI praise Him\nfor this taste of Joy\nwhenever\nFall comes singing.\nI\u2019ve always found fall to be joyous, but when I discovered Scriptures that exhort trees, mountains, and hills to join in praise to the Creator\u2014I began to love this season even more! To me, beauty is like a giant footprint in the universe, pointing to a Creator who revels in joy. This joy is so foundational that even when we experience the dire cost of sin\u2014to us and to all of creation (Romans 8:18-23)\u2014 this undercurrent of joy remains tangible. It surfaces in the delight we have in something as simple as seeing a sunset or hearing a beautiful song. And this joy gives rise to something we all crave: Hope. I believe that\u2019s what beauty ultimately points to\u2014because although the world has been broken by sin, God sent His beautiful and holy Son Jesus to set everything right. Jesus is our surest Hope and the highest Beauty we desire. \u2022 G. Kam Congleton\n\u2022 Why do you think beauty exists? When you see something beautiful in nature, what is one way you could take a moment to rejoice in this beauty and offer praise back to God?\n\u2022 Some Bible passages name specific reasons for creation to rejoice in God. For example, Psalm 96:12-13 says one reason is that Jesus will someday return as the Righteous Judge of the earth. Ultimately, creation rejoices in Christ\u2019s redemption of all things on the cross. If you want to dig deeper, read Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 55:10-13.\nSing for joy, you heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23 (NIV)