March 2008

We almost didn't see them. They certainly weren't in a prominent place: they were tucked in next to some steps, nearly hidden by a mound of snow in front of them. But what a joy when we did spot them - - crocuses, a dozen yellow crocuses blooming. It was the last Saturday of February, and we were just leaving a church in Warren, Pennsylvania, following the funeral of a relative.

The last hymn sung by the congregation gathered that afternoon was Natalie Sleeth's "Hymn of Promise". We need to hear again the promise of the resurrection when we are mourning the death of a family member, or a friend. And it is good to be reminded of the promise of the resurrection when we have been through a long winter. Spring can't be too far away!

      In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
      in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
      In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be,
      unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

      In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
      in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
      In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
      unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
                       (UMH, #707, st. 1, 3)

These words were written in the spring of 1985 by the author, in Denver, Colorado. Shortly after she wrote this piece, her husband was diagnosed with a terminal malignancy. And at his request, her hymn was sung as a hymn of faith at his funeral.

Spring is soon to be upon us (we ARE a people of Hope!), when what has seemed dead will be coming alive with color. And we will shortly be celebrating Easter -- He who was dead came back to life. It is not by coincidence that we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord in the Spring.

As Christians, we have always talked about Jesus' Resurrection, and God's promise of life-after-death. We know that Eternal Life is God's great promise and gift to those who follow Jesus Christ. But unless/until we have a crisis in our lives, a near-death experience, or are facing death (or the death of a loved one), we hardly grasp the POWER of what the Resurrection means for us. How complacent we have become about this wonderful news.

The other day I was contemplating how much LESS emphasis we place on Easter these days. We may have extra people worshipping with us on Easter, but we also lose a good number of our 'regulars' -- especially when the schools have a vacation at that time. In a way, I found peace by reminding myself that we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord on each and every Sunday -- we are an 'Easter People', living in the post-Resurrection era. But, on the other hand, have we not lost some of the JOY and EXCITEMENT of the Resurrection, some of the special meaning of Eternal Life, because we have always 'had' it?

As we make our annual transition into spring, let us be aware of the power of each bulb, each seed, and each cocoon to remind us of the Resurrection. Let us rejoice as the dullness and grayness of winter turns to spring. Let us be reminded to rejoice at the promise of our own Eternal Life -- there can be no greater promise! Thanks be to Jesus Christ who was willing to die for us, and for his Resurrection that WE might be given life eternal.

                With Hope in a coming spring,

                Rev. Kit