I love October! Something about the change in climate, the change of season, the change in people when things cool down but don’t get too cold. It’s a beautiful time of year with the color of the leaves and the crispness that fills the sky. The interests of people also take on the flavor of football weekends, baseball playoffs and, in the south especially, the NASCAR Chase.
October is a particularly meaningful time in the church as well. Schools have been session since August, routines for families have been reestablished, vacation absences have subsided and worship attendance starts climbing again in anticipation of holidays soon to come. For us Lutherans we again focus on Reformation themes and our annual remembrance of Martin Luther’s 16th Century contributions to the faith and emphasis on Holy Scripture and salvation by grace alone.
To be sure Christmas and Easter, scripturally understood, concentrate on the major events in the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But October gives its own opportunity for grateful observance of our salvation’s cause in the Person of God’s Son, while in the midst of more ordinary activities connecting our daily Christian lives. It is a time when our faith is exercised in the more normal things of daily life without dependence on the trappings of secularized holiday observance. It is a time to walk and work as followers of Jesus among our neighbors and friends while enjoying the contribution of sports, schools and social activities to our culture. It is a time to live and work, worship and play, all in thankfulness to our Creator and Lord.
It is a beautiful time! Enjoy it and be glad!