Did you see Punxsutawney Phil on the news yesterday? This time of year,
many of us are wondering just how much more winter weather we will get.
Hopes for an early spring are growing higher with every new snowflake.
When winter began, the snow was somehow more enchanting… Now we find
ourselves ready for the new season to make an early arrival. Well, even
though our family calendar already has a “first camping weekend” penciled
in, experience has taught me I can’t make spring happen any sooner than
nature has planned…can you?
The church calendar doesn’t celebrate “Groundhog Day,” but it does indeed
observe the season of spring. The church season of Lent begins in two
weeks on Ash Wednesday, Feb 17th. The word “Lent” comes from a word
meaning “spring.” In our Christian tradition, Lent has come to mean a
season of preparation for the Easter celebration. We are invited to walk
more closely with Christ through worship, bible study, reflection, and
prayer. Some folks try to give up some special treat, some try to stop a
bad habit or add a new better one. I think the main intent is to become
more open to Christ’s presence in our lives and to more fully accept his
complete love for us.
As the coming spring weather melts the snow and ice of winter, take
advantage of this Lenten season to let Jesus warm your heart and soul.
Consider this poem by John Patrick Earls…
“As the sun with longer journey melts the winter’s snow and ice, with its
slowly growing radiance warms the seed beneath the earth,may the sun of
Christ’s uprising gently bring our hearts to life.”
(ELW 329: As the Sun with Longer Journey)
God bless us to walk closer to him this season.
Ron Vanatta
Salem events:
Souper Bowl of Caring Feb 7th at all worship services
Blood Drive in memory of NIU students Saturday Feb 13th, 10 am to 2 pm
Shrove Tuesday dinner and Cake Auction Tuesday, Feb 16th at 6 pm
Ash Wednesday worship Feb 17th at 7 pm
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