Pine Family
         Eastern White Pine "White Pine" "Northern White Pine"
(Pinus strobus)

Say among the nations, "The LORD is king!  The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.  He will judge the peoples with equity." Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it.  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy  before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.  He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth. 
Psalm 96:10-13  (NRSV)

Large White Pine Tree With Young Trees Around It

Needles of the White Pine Tree

Needles that Fell to the Ground

            Wind through the needles of a pine tree seems to make them sing.  Poetic language helps us talk about what we see and hear.  The Psalmist expressed joy because the Lord is King.  All creation seemed to join in praise of the Lord.
            Examine the fine needles of the White Pine Tree.  They grow in clusters of five.  Although the  tree remains green all winter,  in autumn some of the needles turn brown and fall off.  Pine needles contain acid and make fine mulch for plants needing acidic soil.  They can be used as winter cover and later raked into paths to help keep down weeds.
                        Smell the needles.  Smell the pitch that flows from injured parts of the bark.  Not the thick carpet of needles beneath the trees.  Listen to the tree “singing” as the wind moves  through its boughs.

Dear Lord,
            Help us to join all creation in singing your praise.  Amen