Women in the Easter StoryPrøve

## The Blossoms of Spring In his poem, “Flower Chorus,” Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The promises of God are buried underground like the dead flowers of winter that blossom in spring.” At the end of every winter, we witness a miracle—life coming from death. Bare branches form freckled leaves of green, brown brittle grass turns into a luscious meadow, and the bleak colorless canvas of winter paints itself in pink, red, yellow, and white blossoms of fragrant beauty. The warm breezes whisper the words, “Come alive.” It’s the perfect backdrop for Easter—the time we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and the hope of all mankind. Psalm 19:1 says, “ The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” And the apostle Paul taught us the importance of nature, saying that God’s “invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made ” (Romans 1:20). The evidence of resurrection happens before our eyes each and every year. Spring never fails to produce new life, springing forth from what was dead. Just like Emerson’s “Flower Chorus,” the developing spring gives witness to the promises of God—life purpose, abundant joy, everlasting peace, and most importantly, our own resurrection after death. The greatest enemy of all mankind, an enemy that none other has defeated, has been conquered, and we are the beneficiaries. “ Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? ” (1 Corinthians 15:55). This Easter, take in the beauty of new life; listen to the flower chorus; take delight in the blessed secrets of the universe that unfold before you, and give glory to God for His ever loving grace and mercy. Discuss : How do you see the hope of Easter in the coming of spring?