Many institutions have slogans, strap lines, or mission statements. Coca Cola is remembered for the ‘It’s the real thing’ slogan, and TripAdvisor’s mission statement reads, ‘To help people around the world, plan and have the perfect trip’.

The Church of England also has, what might be called a mission statement, a statement of Christian faith, called the Nicene Creed.

The Nicene Creed was established at the Council of Nicaea in 325AD. At this time the Christian church was wounded and scattered, but there was a deep desire to live faithfully as disciples of Christ.

One important statement of the Nicene Creed comes right at the beginning and refers to God as ‘creator’. It reads, ‘We believe in one god, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen’.

It can be challenging, but as Christians we believe that although God cannot be seen by human eyes, he can be seen through his creation. Theophilus of Antioch, who wrote in the second century, likened this to the pilot of a large ship. Although from a distance you may not see the pilot, you can see the ship being guided, and so God guides the world, his creation.

Creation is given to us from God, but as human beings we often neglect this precious gift. We can be ignorant to the suffering of both the world and the people in it. So, we call on you today; to reflect on what small action you might take to ensure God’s creation is a special place to live in.