I’m Dreaming of a White Holy Week
Here in the KC area and across the Midwestern States we’ve experienced quite an interesting Palm Sunday this weekend. We are at the tail end of blizzard-like snow conditions and it’s the end of March! I’ve done my fair share of grumbling about this crumby start for spring. (I think Punxatawney Phil was phoning it in this year; but I digress). The snow has really been a blessing in disguise.
We all associate snow with a ‘White Christmas’ in great hopes that we’ll look out the window on Christmas morning to see a pristine blanket of fluffy, gleaming cheer. After all, it’s our Savior’s Birthday. What could be more beautiful? It’s a symbol of His innocence and purity, unsullied by plows, snow-blowers and boot-tracks. We cozy up by the fireplace and bask in the pinnacle of the Season’s Joy. Alas, it’s all over too soon, and we return to the business of living our lives. But wait a second! If Christmas is the beginning; the birth of our Savior, what then is the rest of the story?
Somehow between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday we forget something very important. The story doesn’t end with Christmas. It builds through the weeks leading up to the Lenten season and we are suddenly aware that there are a few more chapters to this story. Christmas is just the beginning. The holiest of seasons follows and often it’s easy to forget.
Today, and this week, I’m reminded of that not so peaceful night in a stable in the city of Bethlehem. I’m reminded of the times when Mary and Joseph didn’t fully understand this child they were blessed with. I’m reminded of how Mary ‘treasured up all these things in her heart,” although she didn’t know at the time how important they really were. I’m reminded that He was and is our savior. I’m reminded of that ‘White Christmas’ that we so hope for.
As we move through Holy Week and arrive at Easter, the Glorious Resurrection of the one who took our sins and washed them white as snow, I offer praise to God that he “loved us so much that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Light has come into the world!
We have behind us a joyful celebration of His birth. We have ahead of us a week of passion, prayer, thanksgiving and longing for Easter Sunday when we can say with great joy, “The good news is fulfilled! He is risen! He is risen indeed!”
DDuBlog 