As I sit and look outside the magnolias are blooming, hyacinths are popping up and the daffodils are in full bloom. I can see life emerging all around me. Peonies are sending shoots into the air. Spring is upon us after the cold starkness of winter. By March I am pretty well tired of the cold, and cold rain, and snow. Spring is a welcome anticipation of color and warmth after March. I can see the beginnings of pink, blue, red, and purple just waiting for the right time to burst into the landscape. Even the air will breathe refreshment. It is an exciting time.

Romans 8:25 tells us: “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

We can wait because we know spring will come. We cannot rush it. Winter has its cleansing to do. Insects are more abundant when we do not have a full cleansing of frost in winter. Some plants need the frost of winter to rest to be beautiful when summer comes. Some philosophers say that we who are in winter keep our sensibilities better in the cold and snow. When we know that nature is trying to kill us, we pay attention to our proper behavior.

Spring is the time of renewal and fresh starts.  This Easter we will welcome new members. Four people ready to enter into the kingdom. For each it is a fresh start under the tutelage of Jesus. To all it is membership into the body of Christ. That which no person can take away.

Come, join us and be part of the celebration of Easter. Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, welcome new members of the kingdom, and the renewal of our faith.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Mark