Beloved Friends in Christ,

In the last few days, it has become apparent that autumn has arrived. The weather has turned cooler and the trees have begun to turn colour. What a beautiful time of the year! On the other hand, the reds and golds of the trees are a reminder that shorter days and barren trees will soon replace the lush greens and long days of summer. For some, therefore, the onset of autumn is an unwelcome change

As the seasons change, so too does life. We move from an energetic youth filled with vibrant life to the beautiful golden years. Sometimes, however, these later years of life, with their aches and pains, are not so golden. They point to an approaching barren landscape called death. For many, this is downright terrifying. However, for those who know and trust the Lord and His Word, the golden years of life are no greater cause to fear than the autumn days in which we find ourselves.

We all know that spring and summer follow autumn and winter. If this were not so-if autumn led to a winter that never ended and in which life never returned-autumn might indeed be a thing to be dreaded. But autumn does not end in an eternal winter.

So it is for us who know and trust the Lord Jesus Christ.

The golden years of our lives point to far more than death. As a result of the sacrificial work of Christ Jesus, a change far more thrilling than the change of seasons exists. New life and a crown of glory follow aging and death as sure as spring and summer follow autumn and winter.

Therefore, even as many rejoice that autumn is here, declaring these days the most beautiful of all, so may we who believe in the Lord Jesus declare the golden years of life a time of unparalleled beauty. For each step lived in faith is not only a step closer to death, but also one closer to an eternal glorious summer in the presence of Jesus.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey