In the Northern Hemisphere, the end of October brings the conclusion of the growing season. Though harvest continues in a few southern areas, most crops are finished by November. Until spring, the land lies quiet in the winter cold.

Our lives here on earth also have periods of quiet when it seems that not much growth takes place. Sometimes we feel guilty for that: we sense that we ought to be able to do more, to grow more, to feel more holy. In his book Spiritual Rhythm, Mark Buchanan writes, "Winter hides God."

But the Christian faith looks forward to a day when growth will be continual. The Bible portrays the life of God in the new heaven and earth flowing without interruption to his people. Instead of a lull in the dead and cold of winter, God's healing power will always bear fruit.

Further, the Bible pictures this great harvest in the midst of a city. Cities and harvests normally don't go together. Farms and orchards lie outside cities, and food is brought in to areas where more people live. But in God's new creation, Jesus the Lamb will always be close to his people to provide all that they need.

What a marvelous picture of God's goodness!