God designed creation as a mirror of His love, one that is balanced, harmonious, and beautiful. Like a child finding identity in a parent’s gaze, humanity was meant to be captivated by and reflect God’s love. But sin shattered that. Instead of keeping their eyes on the loving God with them, Adam and Eve’s gaze turned inward. Their desire to be like God overcame their delight in God’s design, breaking shalom and alienating their relationships with God, self, others, and creation.

Yet God did not look away from them. Even in judgment, He covered their shame and promised a Savior who would crush evil. Though the mirror of God’s image in us is fractured, God still calls creation beautiful, choosing to restore and redeem what is broken through Jesus Christ, including you and me.