It’s not quite barbeque weather yet, but here in Yorkshire, the sun has been shining, the daffodils are blooming and there are green shoots on the trees and shrubs in both villages. Spring is here, bringing with it signs of hope. After all we’ve been through with the pandemic, these positive signs from nature are so life-giving.
For Christians, at this time of year, we turn our thoughts to Easter and the visible sign of the cross. There were many crucifixions in the time Jesus was alive, and the Romans historically used crucifixions as a symbol of torture.
Christ was willing to suffer shame and agony through the cross on Good Friday, so that we could know have an intimate relationship with God as Father.
However, death did not have the last word. Through God’s mighty power, Christ rose from the dead three days later. He now sits at the right hand of God (the traditional place of honour). As the writer of Hebrews notes about Jesus, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The symbol of shame was turned into one of victory. Now some Christians even wear little crosses around their neck, and crosses are visible outside church buildings.
We don’t want to forget this powerful symbol and the hope it represents for us. It has changed our lives.
Whatever is going on for you and the hardship you may be experiencing as a result of the pandemic, remember that through the cross you are now able to come closer to God. At Easter, we celebrate the new life we can have through Christ.
God is with us and will be with us whatever we go through in life. It is good news indeed.
Every blessing
Angela
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