Good morning on this Saturday, March 21st. Yesterday was officially the first day of spring. I looked over the long-term weather forecast to see if we could expect another blast of snow before the end of the month and was pleased to see highs forecast to be mostly in the 40s and 50s for the next 10 days. Most people are glad to see this winter come to an end because it, together with last winter, have been particularly harsh. Now we have buds forming on the trees, grass beginning to turn and tulips ready to make their early spring appearance. Spring is about signs of life everywhere. It is the evidence of resurrection in plants and foliage, but technically speaking it is not a true parallel to Christ's resurrection because the plants are merely dormant not dead. When Christ died, his body was devoid of life completely and God brought life out of death, a resurrection not a reemergence. Having made that important distinction, here are some points of similarity between spring and Easter:
(1) Easter and spring reveal a recrudescence (breaking out afresh) of life
(2) Easter and spring represent an end to that which was lost
(3) Easter and spring bring both relief and hope
As we prepare to celebrate Easter which is now only three weeks away, may all of the meaning of our Savior's resurrection fill our hearts with joy and may every sign of renewed life around us this season remind us of His resurrection. HE LIVES! Let's celebrate His resurrection every day, enjoy the victory it brings to us and share our faith and its benefits with others.
Tomorrow's sermon is entitled, Vision - 2009. I'll look forward to seeing you there.
Mel Brown