This time of year is always a special time. This year, Easter seems to be a bit more poignant in my mind. Part of the reason is the news that a dear friend is expecting her second child. It's rather early in the process, but it is exciting nonetheless. My friend recently had her first doctor's appointment, and everyone, mother and child, are progressing nicely. My friend showed me the images from the ultrasound. I have to admit, I was amazed. Seeing the beginning formation of tiny arms and legs was, to me, nothing short of miraculous. I was hit with a question. How can anyone with more than four or five moderately functional brain cells look at something like that and suggest that there is no God?
You may be wondering to yourself, “What has that to do with Easter?” If you will indulge me for a moment's time, I will attempt to connect the dots that are in my mind right now. I don't think it is any accident that Easter occurs during the spring of every year. Springtime is always seen as a time of renewal. Trees that once shed their leaves in the fall are now budding forth with renewed greenery. Flowers are blooming. Everywhere, there is a sense of “newness.” With that in mind, what better time of year to find out about a new life?
When you think of it, isn't that the whole message of Easter? We all have afforded to us the opportunity of a new life. The Apostle Paul put it so beautifully when he said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” [2Cor. 5:14-21]
I pray that this Easter season brings you and yours a true sense of renewal. The chance of eternal renewal is there for you. Happy Easter from over here on the sunny side.