It’s official, spring is formally here. In 2023, spring technically started at 5:24pm Eastern time on Monday, March 20. The official start of spring does not occur on the same day every year, but it always falls on either March 19, 20 or 21 in the northern hemisphere. This determination is based on the “vernal equinox,” the time when the sun will be directly over the Earth’s equator bringing almost equal minutes of daylight and darkness all around the globe. The word “vernal” translates to “new” and “fresh” according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

Spring, as a season brings the idea of new life, or rebirth; nature seems to reawaken from its winter slumber to be regenerated. The plants and trees that stay dormant during the winter months burst forth with vibrant life allowing us to enjoy the grandeur of a fresh start after the barrenness of winter. The return of the chorus of birds, signals that all of nature is rejoicing in the return of the vibrancy of new life.

Spring always reminds me of what God desires to accomplish in mankind. God made the provision for anyone to be reborn, recreated anew, through the power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. This rebirth is not a physical birth but a spiritual regeneration. Since sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience all mankind has been infected with a sin nature (a desire to live contrary to God’s will). This curse of sin demands the punishment of separation from a Holy & Just God. But God in His great mercy toward mankind provided a way out of the entanglement of sin through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. Jesus is the only way to forgiveness for sin and spiritual rebirth. He took upon Himself the punishment we all deserve. He then conquered death by rising from the grave on the third day. Through a conscious decision to accept the salvation from sin offered in Christ Jesus anyone can be reborn into a relationship with God. This process of regeneration allows for one to experience a new birth as a child of God, no longer being a slave to sin. At the moment of one’s conscious decision they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing their salvation and acting as a guide for their new life of spiritual rebirth.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you honestly examine your life. Have you made a conscious decision to accept God’s free offer of salvation? If not, may today be the day you make a conscious decision to receive and rejoice in God’s gift to you through Christ Jesus. If you have made this decision, ask God to help you share this “greatest news” with someone else – today.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike