Of all the planets in our solar system, the Earth alone occupied a life-friendly orbit away from the scorching heat of the inner planets and far from the icy cold of the outer planets. The Earth alone had just the right size and internal heat to generate and recycle its atmosphere, its water, and even its crusty surface. Early in its existence, while the seething movements of its volcanic surface churned its shallow seas, an incessant barrage of lightning and solar radiation rained into its chemically rich waters evoking a new communion of energy and matter. Tiny creatures emerged with the power to reproduce. These were the firstborn cells. All living things have these first cells as their biological ancestors. With the birth of these cells life entered the story of the universe and Earth became a mother. An image of a leafing tree marks the birth of life.

The Birth Of Life

Then the Spirit said:
"Let heat and lightning stir the sea
To animate its chemistry,
And from that swirling pool of genes
Let Earth give birth to living beings,
Sprouting forth all kinds of things
With roots and legs, fins and wings."

Throughout the long history of the Earth, living things interacted and evolved in habitats called forests, swamps, grasslands, reefs, deserts, rivers, lakes, topsoil, and oceans. Every living thing found its home and sustenance within the limits of its habitat, and every stable and healthy habitat contributed to a stable and healthy Earth, The entire Earth is a community of interdependent habitats. An image of a whirling rainbow celebrates the birth of the colorful Earth community.

The Birth Of The Earth Community

Then the Spirit said:
"From desert sand to mountain snow
Let habitats emerge and grow,
Where plants and beasts participate
In natures rugged give and take
And every creature plays a role
In keeping Earth alive and whole."