It’s a new beginning
New leaves burst forth as spring arrives. It’s a new beginning! Fresh hues of green adorn recently bare trees, standing bravely, even in the pathway of storms.
Spring brings renewal and life as nature puts forth new growth and a show of color to celebrate winter’s passing.
Other occasions herald new beginnings. Some we celebrate with joy and thanksgiving–marriage, a new baby in the family, graduation, or advancement in our careers.
In contrast, new beginnings may bring challenges–unemployment, loss of our home due to financial challenges, a debilitating illness or injury, or the death of a loved one.
God’s love creates new beginnings
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
This past week we’ve remembered the journey made by our Savior as He went to the cross for us. Sin separates us from our heavenly Father. Only through the sacrifice of Jesus are we saved and reconciled. Through the love of Christ, we become a new creation.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus went to the cross for us
We are sinners, destined for punishment, yet Christ took the burden of our sin so we might live. The Shepherd gave His life for His sheep.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)
Dogwood blossoms
As a child, I learned Christian symbolism associated with dogwood blossoms. Have you heard it?
- The four petals on the bloom represent the cross.
- The rusty red smudges on the end of each petal remind us of the the blood Jesus shed for us.
- The golden center symbolizes the crown of thorns.
Christ’s death on the cross gifted us with a new beginning. How can we share that love and joy with others?
We have our answer in God’s word.
What did the shepherds do after witnessing the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem? They told others…
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. (Luke 2:16-17)
How did the women respond when they found the empty tomb? They told others…
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. (Matthew 28:8)
Go tell. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Note: I’ll be away from social media this week working on a book project. Wishing you a blessed week, my friends, and looking forward to “seeing” you next week. May God be with you.
Wonderful message of God’s grace and our response. Thank you, Katherine!
Thank you, Annie. We are so blessed to have our new beginning through Christ. Thank you for sharing encouragement.
God’s love creates new beginnings — what a powerful thing for us to remember! Thank you, Katherine!
God’s love is powerful, Leigh. I’m so glad you shared your thoughts. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Dogwood blossoms always remind me of the cross. Thanks for sharing this lovely message and photos, Katherine!
Every year I think the dogwoods are the most beautiful and the next time, they’re even more so. God’s love is like that, too. It’s bigger and more beautiful each day. Thank you for your kind encouragement, Barbara. Blessings!
I love the symbolism in dogwood blooms. Thanks for the reminder, Katherine.
I agree, Diana. And dogwoods usually bloom at Easter, too, to make it even more symbolic. Our Lord’s great love for us is beyond our ability to understand fully, but we know we are blessed. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and upcoming week.
Indeed Ms. Katherine! We are charged to “go and tell” in God’s Word, and I too want to remind people that we can “tell” every day by the way we live out our lives. God’s blessings and praying you through your writing week ma’am.
Thank you for your prayers, my friend. I had a very productive week and I’m so grateful for your help. I hope all of your Cross-Dubya family has a healthy, happy, and blessed week.
His mercies are new every morning. Wonderful message. Katherine. God bless!
I’ve always loved that verse, Nancy. Each new day is a new beginning and our Father grants us infinite love and mercy to start each new day in service to Him. Great is His faithfulness!
I didn’t know about the symbolism of dogwoods and they abound where I live. Thanks for sharing that little detail in this lovely message.
I’m so glad I could share the message of the dogwood with you, Candyce. When we look at the bloom and remember His sacrifice for us, we know how much we are loved. Hope you have a great week.
Love the connection with the shepherds and the woman at the tomb! I’ve never heard the Dogwood Blossoms symbolism, but what a great thing to pass on to my grandkids! Thanks Katherine!
Sylvia, I’ve always loved the fact that shepherds and women were the first to know of the birth of Jesus and His resurrection. Considered some of the least important by society’s standards, God chose those on the margins of society to know the Good News of Christ the Lord. What a comfort to know our Father loves us, regardless of our wealth or social status. Blessings!