... and just like that, Lent is behind us and Easter is here, for us it's a time of both deep reverence as we relive the events of Good Friday and great joy as we celebrate Jesus's resurrection - his bursting forth from the tomb.
It's also the time when nature echoes the joy of Christ's resurrection, the gardens in front of Holy Trinity, Sheerness are particularly beautiful.
Also, after 40 days of Lent, it's time to decorate our churches with flowers again and, of course, we give flowers as gifts at Easter.
So why do we display in church and give certain flowers at Easter?
Possibly the flower with the richest meaning is the Easter Lily who's graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms are often referred to as 'White-robed Apostles of Hope' they signify the purity of Christ and are often depicted in paintings as the flower given to the Virgin Mary by the Angel Gabriel, symbolising her purity. It is also seen to represent the trumpet sounding the message of the Lord's resurrection, their presence and ethereal beauty serve as a reminder of the promise of eternal salvation.
Tulips are a great favourite, with their array of colours, purple symbolises royalty, representing the royalty of Jesus as the Son of God. Tulips are also believed to exemplify God's grace and love for humanity.
And finally, that herald of Spring, the Daffodil signifies the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over the power of death.
In fact, where ever we look and see nature bursting into life we see parallels of Jesus's resurrection.
So, after 40 days of preparation over Lent and the events of our Lord's passion, it is indeed time to rejoice as we celebrate not only his resurrection, but look forward, with certain hope, to the time when he comes again.
Every Easter Blessing to you all.
God bless,
Mark
