Marching Onward

The month of March is special to me. The Braves are in spring training. Saint Patrick's Day allows for a little fun. We get to celebrate Ethan's birthday, along with birthdays for my niece, brother-in-law, and mother-in-law. It’s also the time that we begin to see spring emerge from the cold of winter. There is a saying about the month of March that says it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This is primarily referring to weather, because for the first several couple weeks, we can see that winter wants to hold on a little longer. Then the time changes (have YOU adjusted yet?), the afternoons warm, and the cold barren winter gives way to the warm and lush spring. This leads me to another reason I love March, especially the Marches like this one: EASTER!

You are probably aware that the date for Easter shifts from year-to-year; unlike Christmas, which we always celebrate on December 25th, the date for Easter changes. Easter is set for the Sunday on or following the first full moon after the first day of spring, or vernal equinox. This year, the vernal equinox is March 20th, and the next full moon is on March 27th, so the following Sunday is when we will celebrate Easter...March 31st. These dates correspond to the Jewish Passover, because it was the Passover that Jesus was celebrating with His disciples in Jerusalem when he instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion), was betrayed, convicted in mock trials, humiliated, scourged, and crucified, all for our salvation. After three days in the grave, GOD raised Jesus from the dead proving that nothing truly can separate us from the love of GOD in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

Jesus was known as the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jesus was also known as the Lamb of GOD, because He allowed Himself to be led away to slaughter for the forgiveness of sins (John 1:29). So when we think about March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb, we can see a beautiful connection when we celebrate Christ's life, sacrificial death, and resurrection reminding us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

There is no doubt that March is a very meaningful month. One other comment to make is that with this time of year, our schedules seem to get busier as we take advantage of the longer days and beautiful weather. In the rush of trying to get everything done, we run the risk of missing the power and meaning of this time of year, because GOD does bring forth new life and regeneration from the foliage on the earth to His followers like you and me. Look to GOD who gave us Jesus, the Lion of Judah who roars in the face of life’s struggles, and the Lamb of GOD who takes away our sin. Turn to GOD through Jesus and allow Him to give new meaning to spring you forward, marching onward into a new life of hope, purpose, and meaning.