The First day of spring

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. - Song of Solomon 2:11-12

On Tuesday, we welcomed the first day of Spring and a New Moon. Lucky for us, Florida gave us a tiny taste of Winter earlier this week so it actually felt a bit like Spring. When you live in the Sunshine State where flowers bloom year-round, it’s sometimes difficult to relate to Solomon’s poetic reflection on the Earth arising from the dead of Winter. Still, we can all appreciate the subtle shift into the Season of New Beginnings as we look forward to warmer months and dramatic rainfall that bring about color and new life.

This year, the New Moon coincided with the Spring Equinox, and I am reminded of God’s words that spoke the Universe into being: “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14). For me, 2023 holds so many new beginnings, and I cannot discount God’s symbolism in this serendipity of a Spring New Moon.

The Bible is filled with new beginnings. It is filled with the intentionality of rhythm and transition built into the fabric of our being. It is steeped in poems about Divinity written into every aspect of Nature - The Word made flesh dwelling among us. We honor the Creator in our observance of her Creation - the warm Spring breeze that whispers of new beginnings; the bated breath of a dark night sky when the moon is hidden behind Earth’s shadow, anticipating the lunar cycle beginning anew.

Now, all Creation awaits the Paschal Full Moon, which heralds Easter Sunday, the New Beginning of a New Covenant. We remember our Savior’s great sacrifice in the death of Winter, in the solemnity of Lent; and we look forward to beginning life anew with His resurrection and redemption on Easter. This season, may you revel in the miracle of Spring and God’s promise to make all things new.