Autumn in Minnesota is a season of sensory overload. Pumpkin-spiced items from cereal to cookies to coffee creamer line grocery store shelves, reminding us that the season has begun. October sunsets and fall foliage displaying unimaginable color can bring us to our knees in worship as we ponder the magnitude of our great Creator. Oh, come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker (Psalm 95:6)! In my home, it means soup and bread Sundays are upon us, and the fireplace is on, even if that means occasionally opening windows so it doesn’t get too warm inside. It means I’ll be eating more delectable pumpkin cookies than I ought, but these are some of the deep joys of fall that are ingrained in my soul, which I hope will quickly take root in many Bethlehem students as they fall in love with a Minnesota autumn.
I’ve often wondered if these autumnal beauties are a minute glimpse into the Glory of God, stirring in myself praise from deep within, joining along with the seraphim, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)! In the last several years, I’ve witnessed countless students cozying up by our living room fireplace this time of year, reading the likes of Beowulf and The Odyssey, eating my wife’s delicious pumpkin cookies and drinking warm apple cider. May these precious autumnal glories well up praise in their hearts.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
(Psalm 34:1-3)
What a perfect time to showcase Bethlehem College and Seminary. There couldn’t be a more beautiful season for prospective students to witness the glorious Minnesota autumn alongside seeing our current Bethlehem students in the thralls of fall semester, savoring Christ as they study the great books in light of the Greatest Book. So come to Fall Preview Day and then grab your favorite pumpkin-spiced delicacy, put a log on the fire, catch a sunset, and prepare for your senses to be overloaded with joy by the Glory of Christ!
Nate Thorne
VP of Admissions
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Pray for our current students that this autumn they will see and savor Jesus like they’ve never done before.
- Pray for our prospective students attending Fall Preview Day.
- Pray for our staff and faculty that they would display Christ in every aspect of life at Bethlehem College and Seminary.
- Pray for the full funding of The Serious Joy Scholarships needed for this academic year.