Photo by Caroline Ingebrigtsen on Unsplash
Welcome Daylight savings time! I don’t know that I have been a proponent of year-long daylight savings. I always enjoy the feel of a season change when shorter days become noticeable and longer nights appear earlier. But with the approach of spring, it is enjoyable to bask in the glow of longer days and frolic in the warmth of moonlit nights. Not that Spring has completely arrived. It is certainly winter in most parts and, in California, it is still rainy and cool. Nevertheless, the Choir is undertaking rehearsals of heavenly music in preparation for its annual Easter Concert. I am reminded, through the inspirational lyrics, of the reaffirmation of new life, fresh beginnings, and endless possibilities.
Easter egg hunts, furry bunnies, and assorted candies are all fun reminders that Spring is almost here, but Jesus is the real reason for the season. Redemption from past mistakes, as we forge a new course of corrective action, is among the healing gifts of His Atonement. Peace, hope, and the assurance of a bright future are powerful rewards for even the most infantile of our efforts. As our exertion increases, mighty changes can occur, through God’s divine Omnipotence, enabling us to achieve personal accomplishments and profound joy, those of which were previously unimagined.
Beyond the immediate, the optimism of the Resurrection instills comfort and confidence in deliverance from life’s greatest tragedies. How it is that we are able to cope with pain, disappointment and the suffering of mortality? Is it in the knowledge that Christ overcame death, through the Resurrection of his spirit with his physical body? I believe the miracle of Easter is His guarantee that all mankind are benefactors of this gift of immortality. Even amid the distant or nearby sadness that lingers over life’s tragedies, we are amazingly able to find peace, comfort, and enjoyment in our daily experiences with family, friends, and other loved ones. Because of the promises Jesus brings to all, we can find joy, laughter, and hope in the simple pleasures of this lovely Easter Season and throughout the remaining year.
To those without knowledge or faith, life can seem too difficult and useless. Yet, even when all feels lost, if we can even just desire to believe, God promises that such a desire will blossom into hope, and hope leads to a profound faith. The good news of Jesus’ message is that He lives on and so will we, in a glorious, everlasting life. John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
May all of you find peace and love throughout this Season. Don’t be too hard on yourself, others, or your communities! Try to see the good in everyone, the way God sees. In celebration, “Heal Your Broken Heart” is free for download on the home page. Please sing up on the email list to enjoy a the download because, after all, can you even imagine what your life would be without the variety of splendid and delightful music?