When the People of Israel passed through the waters of the Red Sea they crossed over into a new life. When, later in their history they crossed over the Jordan River into the "land flowing with milk and honey" they again began a new era. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples another new age was inaugurated. There are lots of these "new" occasions in the bible. This theme of new beginnings is not only common in the biblical text it is central. In reading through the biblical story we find this hope offered again and again. This potential for newness is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We also experience new beginnings in the course of life. Graduations are such times as are weddings. We ritualize the New Year with new plans, hopes, dreams and commitments. Birthdays, retirements, new jobs or new locations for old jobs all give us the opportunity move forward in new directions with renewed vigor and energy.

The church, too, has its new seasons. With various traditions we mark the coming and going of these seasons. We prepare for Christmas with the season of advent. The color blue and various activities get us ready for Christmas. Lent and the color of purple point us toward Easter. White reminds us to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and to claim the new life his resurrection gives to us all. This past Sunday we celebrated the profession of faith made by members of our confirmation class. This coming Sunday we will recognize and welcome some other new members. The profession and reaffirmation of faith always ushers us in the direction of new possibilities. This week the color in our sanctuary will be (or was, by the time you read this) red, symbolizing the power and work of God’s Holy Spirit. In a week or two the color will turn to green, the color of growth and fruitfulness. The seasons come and go and each of them offers us the promise of something new.

Our faith is a journey with God. Guided by his words of wisdom we are given the opportunity to experience life anew. I pray that we will grasp this opportunity. I pray that we will share this opportunity.

As we enjoy the nice days of spring and the (hopefully) nice days of summer let us be sure to remember to enjoy not only the weather or the environment but also and mostly the creator, the One, from whom the nice days, nice weather and nice surroundings flow. May your new days and new seasons be filled with love and laughter. May they be filled with praise and thanksgiving. May they be filled with family and friends and maybe even some good food along the way.