The Wonder of Spring

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (Luke 24:1-7 ESV). As we see the end of February and March approaching, it always signals the coming of spring to me; and, that brings me to Easter. Just like Easter, Spring is a season of wonder. Someone has said: • It is the wonder of watching a rosebud outside the living room window as the petals unfold through the morning hours with a beauty that words cannot speak. • It is the wonder in the face of a child wading into a shallow stream and picking up a polished pebble with its flecks of beauty sparkling in the sun. • It is the wonder of the stillness of the wilderness as you come upon a little lake tucked away in the freshly dressed glory of spring, and you hold your breath for a moment and before you leave this lovely place. • It is the wonder of God’s grace expressed through worship as His people enjoin themselves to celebrate the glorious resurrection of His Son by reading the Easter Story and reminding themselves of the glad message that never grows old: “He is not here; He is risen.” • It is the marvelous wonder of corporate worship in a packed church on Easter Sunday morning with people smiling and enthusiastically articulating the very ethos of their faith by singing the words of Charles Wesley: “Christ the Lord has risen today, Hallelujah...Hallelujah...Hallelujah!” • It is wonder of the mischievous grin of a little boy who has put the cold of winter behind him and longs only to enjoy God’s greater out-of-doors with a fishing pole, a can of worms and his little dog. • It is the spiritual wonder of reminding myself that behind the chilling frost of winter, there is the wonderful warmth of spring. • The wonder that behind the cold winds of December, January and February, there is a warm sunshine of March, April and May. Behind every Good Friday, there is always a bright Easter Sunday morning. Behind the darkness of an old rugged Cross, there is the brightness of an empty tomb. Celebrate that brightness today with joy in all you do and say!