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March already! I’m reminded of the old saying that if March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion; if it comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb. Every year I wait to see if these old sayings about the weather still have any substance in the light of the precise weather forecasting we now enjoy and the effects of global warming. This year will be especially interesting as Easter is so early and March weather can be so unpredictable. We could be suffering a cold windy spell, or enjoying still warm sunshine! Whatever the weather, nature is sure to be showing us that Spring is really well on the way. The renewal of life that comes in so many ways at this time of the year will be evident. Daylight takes over again and the long dark nights have gone for another year. The signs of life all around and the increased hours of daylight lift our spirits and reinforce the meaning of Easter.
At Easter we emerge from the contemplative mood of Lent and the darkness of Good Friday to the joy and light of Jesus’ Resurrection. This journey is reflected in our church services and Lent Course. We struggle through Lent with no flowers in church to cheer us and on Good Friday everything is really bare when we also strip the altars. What a transformation greets us on Easter Sunday morning! Everywhere is alive with blossoms and flowers and the whole mood is changed from sadness to joyful praise. We celebrate the “Good News” that Jesus has risen from the dead and all that his victory over sin and death means to us as Christians.
On Easter Day some of us will also take the chance to over indulge ourselves by eating chocolate eggs. This of course is to remind us of the symbolism of new life that eggs portray, and nothing to do with gluttony!
Whatever Easter means to you, take the chance to have a new start, to change the things that bother you and be happy in the unconditional love that we are all offered by Jesus at this special time.
A very happy and blessed Easter to you all.
With love,
Ann Males
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