When writing a musing, I typically think into the next month. Looking into March reveals that Easter is approaching quickly. But my mind has not yet embraced this fact. As I look over the top of snow drifts and see the over-night temperature dropped below 0, it’s hard for me to prepare for annual rites of spring and the renewal of Christ’s promises which occurs on Easter morning. It has been a long, cold, snowy winter and I am still operating in a mode of survival.

The disciples did not believe the first reports of Christ’s resurrection. At first they suspected the grave had been robbed. Surely the sightings of Jesus were nothing more than the wishful thinking of people cast into deep grief by the brutal death of one they loved. The disciples were certain Jesus had died. They had just lived through a great tragedy. Jesus had been arrested, put on trial, crucified, and had died on a cross that week. And so the disciples were operating in a mode of survival too.

But Jesus appeared to them while they hid in a locked room, speaking in hushed tones, huddling out of fear for their lives. And they were convinced of something they could not have fathomed. The day of fear turned into a day of rejoicing. Those disciples were so convinced by the resurrection that they spent the rest of their lives telling others about Jesus, the Son of God and leading them to believe in him.

I am not sure how long it will take the snow to make an exit. But, I have heard rumors of robins in the area. In just a few days the sap will start to run in the trees and the crocuses will sprout and bloom. We will soon be reminded that Christ’s promise to be with us at all times, in all situations, and in ways we cannot begin to fathom is real. While right now it’s hard for my mind to embrace it, Easter is coming. We’re going to have a great celebration in honor of the living Christ..