Celebrate Springtime, Celebrate Easter
by Janice Parrish
Celebrate! ... "To life! To love!"
Song of Solomon 5:1b MSG
God's gift to us that we celebrate during the springtime Easter season is the most incredible gift of all. What a gift of love from the very heart of God himself! This gift of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ is such a personal gift of God to us. Just think, not just to us, but to the whole world! It's a gift that we can't do without, because it is life itself, eternal life. "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die." John 3:16 CEV
The personal gift of Jesus Christ in giving his very life's blood on the cross of Calvary makes newness of life and hope available to one and all. Our sins are cleansed by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection of life brought about His free gift of salvation, the greatest miracle of all. "Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. The Lord Jesus saves us... through his kindness." 1 Peter 1:3 CEV, Acts 15:11 GW
How fitting it is for the celebration of Easter to be in the springtime. This is a favorite time of the year for many people and understandably so. God's beautiful creation is enjoyed watching the earth come alive again from its winter slumber. The sights and fragrances of the first flowers in bloom and the greenery of the earth springing up with its blossoming trees are such delightful blessings! "Praise your God! He breathes on winter—suddenly it’s spring! Look around you: Winter is over! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world’s a choir—and singing! Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms." Psalm 147:12b, 18b MSG, Song of Solomon 2:11a, 12a, 13a MSG
Refreshing spring showers watering the earth with their relaxing effect are a welcomed blessing after a drought. A rainbow with all its beautiful colors after a spring shower is a reminder of God's love and faithfulness to us. "God’s love can always be trusted, and his faithfulness lasts as long as the heavens." Psalm 89:2 CEV
God is a God of all seasons. Celebrate springtime and Easter with all its blessings of life every season by sharing God's gift of love, Jesus Christ with others. "You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. God is able to shower all kinds of blessings on you. So in all things and at all times you will have everything you need." Matthew 5:14a MSG, 2 Corinthians 9:8a NIRV
