When I look out of the window, I see trees bare and waiting to bud into life. On a walk I came across a group of snowdrops, the first sign of the coming of spring and daffodils displayed in coats of yellow. Each bringing hope of new life springing up.

March also takes us into the second Sunday of lent, then onto Mother’s Day, Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy week, leading up to Good Friday and Christ’s death on the cross.

Nothing that happens in this world is in vain if we entrust the situations to God. Some of the most valuable lessons that I have learned in life have been through times of suffering and anguish.

Our lent Groups this year will be exploring the Feminine Face of God. Contrasting the Roman empire with God’s empire:

Violent versus nonviolent

Domination versus service and liberation

Love of power versus the power of love.

“Jesus told her” I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this Martha?” John 11:25,26

Jesus asks us the same question.

We have a God who cares. Jesus has power over life and death, as well as power to forgive sins. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose again, all who put their hope and trust in him are promised forgiveness, a new beginning and the promise of life everlasting.

As we move towards Holy Week ending on Easter Day let us embrace compassion, inclusivity, justice for the outcast, and unconditional love, to ourselves and to those that we meet each day.

Rev Chris Alexander