Getting ready for a meeting this morning, I heard something hitting the windows outside. I thought for a few seconds about what it could be, and then looked out on the deck and noticed it was ice. Sleet was falling on the 15th day of April.

Regardless of the fact that it is 41 degrees, we are officially in the season of spring. While winter temperatures want to hold on, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord this Sunday. Nothing seems more like spring than this event. With the new life coming forth from the trees, plants, flowers and bushes, we are reminded of what the resurrection means to all of us.

While the long winter months hung on, the trees hung bare and nothing seemed to be growing, preparations were being made down in the earth and inside the trees for what would happen in the spring. Likewise, as Jesus was lying in the tomb, He was preparing for the amazing feat He was about to accomplish.

Just as we have grown weary and tired from long winter months, the first buttercup springs up, tulips then begin to bloom, the leaves on the trees begin to bud and we are reminded that new life comes again after a long winter’s time. Just as the disciples were feeling that all was lost and Jesus was gone, He burst forth from the tomb with His light shining forth, conquering death once and for all.

The resurrection of Jesus means life for all, not only now but also in the life to come. His death, as payment for our sins that separate us from God to His rising up from death, allows us to go forward in the presence of God and have a relationship with Him now and forever. While our sin would not allow us that relationship, the death of Jesus took on the sin and forever more He intercedes between the Father and sinful man so that we are able to enter into His pure and holy presence.

Just as the new light of spring brings warmth and causes the plants to bloom and the leaves to fill the tree branches, and come to life once again; Jesus’ resurrection calls us out of the darkness and enables us to live in the light of His love.

The words from the song by Tim Hughes sum it all up.

“Light of the world

You stepped down into darkness

Open my eyes, let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You.”

He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.