Sunshine, Light, Spring

Spring is in the air!  Can you feel it?  The time of year where the length of day is equal that of night.  Historically, the pagans celebrated this time of year by honoring the return of the Sun God to his Goddess, they called it Ostara.  The origins of the holiday are actually not as old as the Christian holiday of Easter according to what I've read... though the history is not well kept here.  The Jewish holiday of Passover that was recently observed falls into this theme as well.  They celebrate the the biblical event of Hebrews' escape from enslavement in Egypt.  It is this end of dark days and torment to welcome in a freedom and light that they had been denied for so long.

What is universal on this day for Christians and non-Christians is that it is very much a time of renewal, of new beginnings and therefore honoring the end of things past.  It is the affirmation that warmth and sun and harvest are indeed returning.  The long nights of winter and the battle of fighting off the cold has ended. 

So, too, is the celebration of Jesus' triumph over his end or death.  He rose from the dead with the promise of forgiveness of sin.  Of eternal life and everlasting love for all people. 

Whatever your faith, I wish you a very happy Easter, Passover, Ostara or a lovely welcome to Spring herself.