The Colors of Autumn

You know autumn is here when pumpkins begin to make their appearances, cool crisp weather replaces the heat and humidity of summer, and candy corn can be found in the seasonal aisles of the grocery stores. For me, when leaves of varying colors begin their dance to the earth below, I know fall has arrived.

Scientifically speaking, I know that the color change of the leaves actually means they are dying. The chloroplasts (the green organelles) that produce food for the leaves have died, and when they die, the other colors of leaf pigment become visible. This is manifest in the brilliant hues of red, orange, yellow, and even brown. However, there is so much more to these leaves than their colors, and that is what I’d like to share with you.

COLORS OF AUTUMN: BROWN

The first leaf color is brown. Brown often represents the earth. Its tones can be seen in the dirt and the hills. In the autumn, we see browns in the leaves, and as they fall, we see the barren trees. These fallen leaves are no longer living, and so brown also reminds us of death.

When I see the brown leaves, they remind me of mankind. Why? Because like the leaves that are becoming brown because they are dying, we are also dying. The Bible clearly states that we are all sinners, and that the punishment for our sins is death. Romans 3:23 states that all of us, no matter who we are or how good our works are, we can never math the glory of God. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Because of that, we are all dying physically and spiritually. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death…” But Romans 6:23 doesn’t end here. It continues. The complete verse states “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The brown leaves also remind me of the price that was paid for my sins. It reminds me of the cross that Jesus sacrificed Himself upon to purchase my redemption. 1 John 4:14 says, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” Philippians 2:8 states, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  Lastly, 1 Peter 2:24 speaks of Jesus, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” So, while brown reminds me of my sin and death, it also demonstrates the incredible love of God for His creation through the death of His beloved son, Jesus, on the cross.

When I see brown leaves, I am reminded of the cross of Christ and His great sacrifice for me.

COLORS OF AUTUMN: RED

The second leaf color I think of at autumn is red. Red is most commonly associated with love, and the love of God is mentioned many times in the Bible. Perhaps the most familiar verse to most of us is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Another verse that speaks of God’s great love is Romans 5:8, which states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

While red is probably most noted for being the color of love, it is also the color of sin. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The red leaves remind me of the curse of sin in this world and the curse of sin in my own life.

However, the color red also symbolizes blood, and that reminds me of the precious blood of Jesus that was shed upon the cross for my sins. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Jesus spoke of His blood at the Last Supper, when He spoke of the cup. He said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. On the cross, Christ offered his precious blood as the atonement for our sins, and it was accepted by God the Father as the “once and for all” payment for our sin-debt. Once we ask Jesus to forgive us, His shed blood covers any and all sins we have or ever will commit. All fear of God’s judgment and punishment is removed as we are redeemed by the precious blood of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ.

When I see the red leaves of autumn, it reminds me of the blood of Christ that cleanses me of my sin and the enormity of the love of God for His creation… you and me!

COLORS OF AUTUMN: ORANGE

The next leaf color is orange. Orange is frequently associated with optimism and hope, deep understanding, and freedom. It also is representative of flames and fire.  When I think of flames in the Bible, I think of  I think of the fire of God as manifested by the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:3-4 states, “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The power of God’s Spirit was manifest in the visualization of flames! When a person accepts Christ’s free gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit of God takes up residence with us. Jesus tells us the work of the Spirit in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Where are these things that the Spirit brings to our remembrance? These things are found in the Word of God. As we read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will bring verses to our mind when we need them. He will teach us, convict us of sin, guide us and equip us to serve God and represent Jesus to the world. Our responsibility is to read and study the Bible, so the Holy Spirit has the material by which He does His work in us.

This fall, when I see leaves of orange, I will think of the Holy Spirit that dwells within me and remember that He is the One by whom I will learn and understand the deeper things of God.

COLORS OF AUTUMN: GOLD

Lastly, I reflect on the yellow or gold leaves.Traditionally, yellow or gold is the color of wisdom, diligence, cheer, and wellness, but when I think of gold or yellow, I am reminded of heaven. Heaven, of course, is the place where God dwells. We have a small glimpse of heaven from the writings in the Bible, but there is nothing, I believe, that can prepare us for the glory of God that will be manifested there. So, what does the Bible tell us?

In Revelation 21:21, God’s Word says, “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”

We also know the glory of God is seen in heaven. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23). We know that there will be no need of the sun because God Himself will be the Light. Revelation 22:1-5 states, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

When I see the golden leaves of autumn, it brings thoughts of heaven to my mind.

The colors of autumn are so abundant! Seeing God in nature and remembering Jis love story with humanity is a beautiful way to stay grounded during this season of change. Seeking evidence of His handiwork in our everyday routines makes for a great mindfulness exercise and spiritual growth tool! Being intentional about your thought life is so helpful in staying in touch with God as we enter into the busyness of the holiday season. As you notice the colors of autumn, take as many moments as you can to show gratitude to our Creator for all He has done for you.