Dear Friends,
As I write this, the cold grip of winter seems to be firmly holding
us! But a walk onto the bank of the stream at the bottom of the
Rectory garden yesterday reminded me that the grip slowly
loosens and the first signs of spring are beginning to appear.
Snowdrops and tender petalled crocuses are springing up and
we are reminded of the deep connection between the changing
seasons and our Christian faith. Spring is a season of renewal—
when nature awakens from its slumber, bringing new life and
fresh beginnings. For many of us, this season of growth and
beauty carries spiritual significance, reflecting the hope that lies
at the heart of the Christian message.
The Christian faith is built on the foundation of hope—hope in
the resurrection, hope in the promises of God, and hope in the
transformation of our lives. Spring is a visual reminder of this
hope, as the barren branches begin to bud, the flowers bloom,
and the days grow longer and brighter. At the time of writing the
spring equinox is exactly one month and a day away.
In the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate
symbol of hope. After the sorrow of the cross and the darkness
of Good Friday, Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday brings the
promise of new life, not only for Him but for all who believe. We
can leave behind the old and embrace the new. Spring, in its
vibrant beauty, reflects this renewal that is offered to us in
Christ.
In our villages, we can draw strength from the simple yet
powerful reminder that, like the seasons, our lives have
moments of dormancy, moments of change and moments of
growth. Winter may bring hardship or challenges, but spring
promises the return of light, warmth, and new opportunities.
Similarly, in our faith, we experience both the difficulties of life
and the hope that comes from trusting in God’s plan for us.
I’m sure you’ve heard of or seen this –
Our lives never seem to work out the way we planned them.
Sometimes this change is scary, un-nerving, devastating; and
sometimes it can be exciting. Whatever the change, whatever
season of life we find ourselves in, God remains with us. He is
our constant and never changes. I can say with confidence that
my life has certainly looked like the lower half of that image, but
that God has never left my side and has seen me through the
hardest of times.
On a personal note, this spring brings much welcome change to
a certain couple in Stanton Harcourt (!). Matthew and I are very
much looking forward to our wedding day, and our new life
together as a married couple. We hope that as many of you as
possible will be able to join us at church to celebrate!
So this spring, let us embrace the message of hope, allowing it to
renew our spirits and strengthen our faith. As we tend to our
gardens and watch the flowers bloom, let us remember that we
too are called to bloom in faith, sharing the love and hope of
Christ with those around us. You will always be welcome to join
us at a service in one of our churches, or join us on Zoom.
Blessings to you all as we step into this season of growth,
renewal, and hope, Revd Jo