Easter is one of the most important festivals of the Christian year, which is why we are encouraged to use the weeks of Lent that lead up to Easter to reflect on how we are leading our lives, and how we might improve our spiritual wellbeing.

Easter reminds us of the amazing gift of God’s love that Jesus revealed when he died on the cross, and God’s gift of forgiveness and new life that is offered to us all, to help us learn from our mistakes and realign our focus on God and what He wills for our lives. All we need to do is trust him to direct us and show us the way ahead.

I’m sure that like me, you have been encouraged by the recent warmth of the sun and the many signs of new life bursting around us each day - the daffodils, crocuses, aconites and celandine flowers; new babies, skipping lambs and restored health. All these remind us of the new spiritual birth we are offered by God once again this Eastertide.

That’s why Easter is a time of real celebration, because God’s promise is a promise of new life with him, through our lives and through our deaths to eternal life. That’s what Jesus showed us through his own life, death and resurrection. That’s why we remember our christenings/baptisms in our Sunrise Service on Easter Day in Crondall, and in every christening/baptism service too. That’s why our Sunrise Service is followed by a celebratory ‘Fizz Breakfast’.

So let’s use this time of Lent to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate God’s amazing love amidst all the chocolate and bunnies and hot cross buns. Easter blessings on you all!