The strange thing about writing an article for the Diary is that it has to be written weeks before the magazine is published. This means that by the time it appears, any forecast made could be completely wrong. This is particularly true of the Covid Pandemic and whether or not we are actually emerging out of the crisis after two years.
As I write, the sun is streaming into the window and the faintest stirring of spring is in the air with birdsong and bulbs tentatively pushing up shoots from the earth. For me, this speaks of hope. Curiously, at this time of year, one of the smallest and most fragile looking flowers determinedly pushes itself up out of turf or woodland floors. While storms rage and ice and snow threaten, the snowdrop makes its humble appearance.
The snowdrop’s meaning to those who know the language of flowers is of rebirth, hope, sympathy, and purity. Above all, it speaks to me as a herald of better weather and the glory of creation unfolding as spring returns.
In the wonderful story of C S Lewis,’ ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ we are confronted with a world paralysed by winter. The reign of the evil Snow Queen has endured for years, until four special children enter, and the first stirrings of spring begin to be felt. The children meet Father Christmas who declares, “I’ve come at last. She has kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Aslan is on the move. The Witch’s magic is weakening.”
―Father Christmas (Chapter 10).
We are still in winter. We are still coping with the effects of the latest Covid variant, but there is cautious hope.
As Christians, much of our faith is about hope. It is about acknowledging our winters, both seasonal and personal, but knowing that spring will conquer the darkness and cold.
I pray we will find our hope for the future met with joy as we move into this New Year and new phase of life.
God bless you.
Susan