We are in the midst of the fall season now, and that can only mean the changing of the leaves has begun (in Midwest climes, anyway). I never cease to be amazed at the variety and vibrancy of the colors of the orange, red, yellow and brown hues that appear from once-green foliage. There are even bus tours to areas of the country where the fall leaves are known to be the most beautiful.

The sad thing, of course, is that the turning of the leaves means the leaves will soon be falling off their branches and crumbling on the ground.

I think of the words of Jesus, when he said, “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near“ (Luke 21:29-31).

While he said this in spring, the reverse is true in the fall. The changing of the leaves is a reminder to us as Christians that “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). The Last Day is a season closer for us when we see the leaves fall, and that leaves us with increasing joy!