Signs of Springtime!

After a long, cold winter, which seemed as if it would never give up its grip on us, we have finally begun to see some signs of springtime.  Crocuses have begun to push up through the earth.  Robins have reappeared. The days have lengthened. And, although they have not been many, we’ve had at least a few days that have reached into the 60’s.  Thankfully, it appears that the winter of 2014-2015 is being overtaken by spring. 

I think most of us would agree that, it can feel as if our world has been trapped in what often feels like the dark and cold of winter.  C.S. Lewis likens our world to a place where it is “…always winter but never Christmas.” (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)  What a dreadful thought!  As we continue to hear one bad news story after another; as we face our own personal difficulties that seem to pile up one on top of another, we can begin to feel as if there will never be a springtime. We are longing for and looking for any sign of life—something that will breed hope and tell us that we will not be trapped forever in pain and sadness, darkness and cold. 

That’s what the resurrection of Jesus, that which we celebrate this weekend, is all about!  After his terrible and dreadful death--one which seemed to indicate that “winter” was here to stay—signs of life began to appear.  The stone was rolled away.  The tomb was empty. Angels came with a message.  Then, Jesus appeared!  Jesus was alive!  Life had returned!  Spring was breaking into the winter!  Suddenly, life didn’t seem so cold, dark, and hopeless after all. 

The result is, today you and I can live with hope.  Although our world and our lives can often feel like the dark and cold of winter, life has begun to break through.  We can see the signs of springtime. The resurrection of Jesus tells us that, life is greater than death!  Jesus’ resurrection proclaims that our world will not always be as it is; our lives will not always be as they are!  Jesus is alive!  Springtime has begun to overtake the winter! 

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56 – NIV) 

Let’s rejoice!  Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate sign that springtime is on its way!

Have a great day and a blessed Resurrection Sunday! 

Pastor Tim Harris

www.pifny.org