Season of Creation - September 1 to October 4
This year’s theme is “Peace with Creation”, inspired by Isaiah 32:14-18: “For the palace will be forsaken, the populous city deserted; the hill and the watchtower will become dens forever, the joy of wild asses, a pasture for flocks. Until a spirit from on high is poured out on us, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (NRVUE)
Though God’s plan for Creation is rooted in justice and peace, human sin disrupts this, leaving Creation in ruin—from wealthy palaces to poor farmlands, forests, and oceans. Isaiah vividly describes the results of human estrangement from Creation.
Peace is more than just the absence of war. In the Hebrew Bible, shalom represents a far deeper concept—one that extends beyond the absence of conflict to the full restoration of broken relationships, as illustrated in Isaiah’s vision. This restoration encompasses our relationship with God, ourselves, the human family, and the rest of Creation.
The 2025 Symbol is inspired by Isaiah 32:14-18. Titled ”Garden of Peace,” it depicts a white dove flying over a tree. The left side of the tree is barren, with roots digging into dry soil, surrounded by an arid, desolate landscape. In contrast, the right side of the tree is lush and green, standing amidst a flourishing landscape. The dove, carrying an olive branch in its beak, flies toward the right—symbolizing peace as a transition from a war-torn, overexploited land to one that is fertile, thriving, and hospitable.
Let us remember that humanity was originally called to tend a garden. Through this year’s Season of Creation, we will reflect on the connection between caring for creation and fostering peace.
The white dove with an olive branch is a globally recognized symbol of peace. In the story of Noah, it also signifies new life after destruction.