Dawn Comes: Resurrection

Mid-Eastern Sunrise

We all hope for new beginnings. Each day, at dawn, we get a picture of that. Each Spring we are reminded that rebirth is not just a great idea, but a reality more real than we can ever imagine.

Brother Lawrence, the lowly monk who is celebrating in the short book “Practicing the Presence of God: Letters of Brother Lawrence”, came to a sudden spiritual awakening of God’s reality, one Spring. He saw new life in the blooms of a tree, and the irrepressible force of Spring, defying so many doubts of recreation and new life.

God shows us himself in the realities and patterns of nature. They are his message to us, and his pictures to understand the nature of the unseen, Living God.

Today, it’s Easter morning. The grass is greener than it’s been all year. Dogwood trees are white with new blossoms. Forsythia brushes flame in gold blooms. Hyacinth have spread their color. Daffodils have popped up their pretty heads.

And God says, “This is good.”

Always wait for the dawn, my friends.


Celebrate-Christianity's Biggest Day!

They say if you can’t preach on Easter, you just can’t preach!

This being Good Friday- it’s a downer day, of course. IT’s supposed to be. It’s supposed to be reflective. Sober. Pensive. Mindful.

Everything changes on Sunday. Easter Sunday was the one time my tiny chapel congregation sang with some pep. “Up from the grave he arose!” The tempo would get close to 4/4 time. The dirge-like hymns turned positive, and had some spark. (We were about as  non-charismatic as a church could be, but on Easter Sunday, I’m pretty sure I could heard a clap or two of exuberance.)

This Sunday-Let’s PARTY! Let’s remember this is our joy, God’s glory! Death is defeated, forgiveness and pardon is complete.

It might even be time for a fantastical drawing. You like?

Easter is a BIG Day! Celebrate!

Ahhh Warm and Fuzzy Easter Church Sign-NOT

(Yes, if you smell something weird, it’s because there is a nearly sardonic mood here today. I snapped this photo myself last night.)

Imagine this Potential Backstory:

Are you ready for a spiritual reawakening? A kind of rebirth? A cleansing in your spirit?

NOT SO FAST. WE’LL HAVE OUR EYE ON YOU. So-WATCH your back, Slacker!

Maybe you’re thinking… “Lots of family members will arrive for a big dinner at 1:00 pm. Will there be time to do it all?”

march 30 2010