Everything beautiful in its time: five winning photos revealed
From the crash of a wave onto black sand in Iceland to the emerging buds on a tree sapling in Benin, the winning photographs in the Logos and Cosmos Initiative’s photo contest remind us that the Lord “has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
The LCI invited its wider community to share a picture that speaks about God’s Word and God’s world. Thank you to everyone who took part. We received more than 30 thoughtful submissions and are delighted to present the five winning photos alongside reflections and scriptures from the photographers.
The photos below demonstrate how God can speak through nature and scripture, pointing us to His majesty and creativity and the hope of new life through Jesus. We hope these will inspire you to cultivate a sense of wonder as you watch out for how God is speaking to you through his Word and his world.
Black sand, white wave
— Jill Bain, UK
“This photo of the shoreline from Dyrhólaey was taken in Iceland. This image speaks to me of the beauty of God’s creation, but also of the washing from sin available. The darkest sand can be covered over by a wave, just as our darkest sins can be washed clean by Christ’s blood. God has surrounded us with reminders of the message of hope for our world which can be found in God’s Word. “
The hope of new life
— Camille Yabi, Benin
“This photo was taken on the site of a botanical garden run by GBEEB (the IFES movement in Benin) in the village of Vèdji in the commune of Dassa. The photo shows a tree that has been dead for many years, but around which life is starting again with buds.
It reminds me of John 5.25: ‘Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.‘ Jesus Christ gives life after death. But you have to have received it before you die. Resurrection is a tangible reality, illustrated by this photo. Life is found in the death of Christ. Everyone who sleeps in Christ carries the hope of life. “
Discover more of his kingdom and brilliance
— Naomi Foster, UK
“In England we don’t have many dangerous animals, so we fear bees and wasps because they sting. This beautiful harmless lookalike would also be feared from a distance! It reminds me that God made everything good, but it was corrupted by the Fall. Our great God holds the vastness of the universe in his hands, and knows every detail. When we see a scary buzzing flying thing, God sees so much more, including its intricate wing structure. When we discover, we see more of his kingdom and brilliance. Psalm 104:24: ‘How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.‘”
“Let’s cross to the other side.”
— Franklin Lopez Laura, Bolivia
“This photo was taken in La Paz, Bolivia – Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The moment I took the photo was a cloudy day with a lot of wind, but when I saw it again at home it reminded me of the gospel of Mark 4:35-41, particularly verse 40: ‘He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?‘”‘
In these verses there is a clear command: “let us go over to the other side.” [At the time], I was sad, because I was prioritising my university studies and finishing them. Not holding a position within the [IFES] movement made me doubt that I was doing the right thing. But even in his creation I see that God is in control and makes me part of his mission. “
Gannets in flight: a glimpse of perfect harmony and shalom
— Joel Cornuz
“Northern Gannets, bird sanctuary of île Bonaventure in Québec, Canada. An amazing place to visit and my favourite picture (so far!) out of so many I took there. By their size, beauty and elegance, these birds reflect the Creator’s majesty. Because they fly together (and gather in huge numbers to lay their eggs and raise their chicks), they remind me about the imperative of living in community. The harmonious way they fly above the clouds is a glimpse of this perfect harmony and shalom that we are hoping for, trusting in and waiting for. “