Easter is the Fulfillment of the Promise of Christmas

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

- Franklin D. Roosevelt,  32^nd President of the United States

As my daffodils are beginning to bloom at the first sign of spring I have been thinking about what spring means to me.  It is renewal and a sign of life after a period of dormancy.  During winter when the sign of life appears to die, we are reminded in spring that nothing truly dies in God's Kingdom.  Easter has now replaced winter as my favorite season.  It is because spring and Easter is the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus' birth at Christmas.  But as I truly love Easter, I am reminded how divided the world is and that even Christians forget what Jesus life represents.  He didn't die just for Christians; he died to reconcile the holiness of God to the sinfulness of all humans at a time when there were few Christians.  Jesus represents forgiveness and love, which is offered by God the Father.  My favorite Christmas card I sent out years ago reads:

 "Every time a hand reaches out to help another... that is Christmas.  Every time someone puts anger aside and strives for understanding...that is Christmas.  Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other....that is Christmas.  May this Christmas bring us closer to the spirit of human understanding, closer to the blessing of peace."  

This is Jesus' promise for all.  Those who instill fear divide us.  Just because my brother commits murder, doesn't make me a murderer, yet I may also be classified as a murderer causing others to fear me.  We must bring those who commit murder to justice, while realizing extending that belief to others based on culture, race, or religion is directly in opposition of Jesus' teaching and for American principles.  My dear friend Fay, who is Muslim, said all true religions represent the love of God and the presence of peace.  We must not let murderers committing heinous crimes that need to be brought to justice, divide us from moving closer to understanding, love, and the blessing of peace for all who love God and each other.