New Life
James Golden (Georgia, USA)

Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” - John 11:25 (NRSVUE)



Where I live, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord in the springtime. The story of Easter is powerful no matter what season of year it is when we celebrate, but the theme of Easter goes particularly well with the theme of spring. The dormancy, cold, and bleakness of winter mirrors the body of Christ being in the tomb and the feelings his followers must have experienced. They must have thought all was lost and hope was gone.

When I look out at a winter landscape with bare trees, brown grass, and a dark sky, sometimes it’s hard to feel excited. But fortunately, spring always comes. Although the transition begins slowly, the trees eventually begin to bud and flowers burst forth. These signs give me hope that new life is coming and put a little bounce in my step, even if I am still wearing winter boots.

The Resurrection brought a similar hope. Jesus’ lifeless body came back to life. The dark, foreboding tomb was opened, never to be closed again. The morning came alive with the promise of hope returning to earth. God did something new on that Easter morning, and God does something new every spring too.



TODAY'S PRAYER
God of new life, your timing is always perfect. Thank you for the hope of Easter. Amen.


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TODAY'S READING
Isaiah 43:16-21


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In every season, I will hold tightly to the hope of new life.


PRAYER FOCUS
Gratitude for new beginnings