Reading:  Gen.1:1-3, 26-31 and John 1:1-5

Reflection Questions:

The hymn This is My Father’s World can be a good way to begin our journey through the Book of Genesis. Take a moment to reflect on the wonders and goodness of God with the words of the first stanza of this hymn. Feel free to sing along if you know the tune!

This is my Father’s world,

And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world:

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hands the wonders wrought.

1. As you read the creation story from Genesis 1 and reflect on God’s wonders, which one aspect of creation leads you to give thanks, sparks reverence within you or causes any change of perspective? Why?
2. Humanity is made in the Image of God (Gen.1:27). Take a moment to go look at yourself in a mirror. What do you see? How do you see yourself? What glimmerings do you see in yourself, in your life that reflect the face of God? If looking in the mirror to see the imprint of God on you makes you uncomfortable – ask yourself why? Spend a moment speaking truth to yourself in the mirror by saying aloud Gen.1:27: So God created man (humanity) in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see yourself as God sees you (as very good, Gen.1:31). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you embody the reflection of God’s Image more vividly to those around you.

3. Take moments this week to be in nature. Pause to watch a sunrise or set. Go out into the night and look up at the stars. Observe other human beings. Listen to the morning dove or the wind in the trees. These are all messages of God’s goodness and blessing (Ps.19:1-4). How do these created things reflect God to you? How do you experience God’s goodness from his created world?

Here is the last stanza of the hymn. Conclude your reflections in Genesis with it:

This is my Father’s world.

O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world:

Why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!

God reigns; let the earth be glad!