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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Spring (as in the season) (11/28/05)
For many, spring is a time of renewal. The world around us, having persevered through the harshness of winter begins to thaw and new life emerges to greet a kinder season. My grandfather planned and planted his crops. Animals bring their young into the world and teach them to survive. For school children, it was a joy to be able to shed our winter coats, goulashes, and gloves and enjoy some sun on our skin as we walked to school in fresh spring air.
I did not realize how important the celebrations of spring are for Christians until I looked beyond the season.
During the spring months, whether we realize it or not, we observe what the Lord God did for each of us through his son, Jesus Christ.
My biggest surprise was learning that some believe March 25 would have been around the time Mary was told by the angel Gabriel she would give birth to a baby boy. I took a closer look at Ash Wednesday and Lent. I did not understand the significance of Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
We can read through the four gospels and remember each step of Jesus’ journey through what he knew were his last days. We are reminded of prophecy fulfilled and rejoice. This should be a time of reflection, renewal, and remembrance for Christians all over the world.
I read through the gospels and notes I’ve made over the past year and learned of the numerous prophecies that were fulfilled during Jesus’ time.
For example, Palm Sunday remembers Christ’s entering Jerusalem as King. His actions fulfilled the prophecy found in the Old Testament. Zechariah 9:9 prophesied “Rejoice, greatly, O daughter of Zion: should, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, they King cometh: he is just and having salvation: lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foals of an ass.”
Good Friday reminds us of his crucification. My church gathers together and watches “The Passion of Christ” since it has been available to the public. And while many have objections to this movie, it is a harsh reminder of just how much the Lord suffered for each of us on that day. It makes me humble and honored that he died such a death for someone as lowly as myself.
As spring draws near during the month of March of next year, I hope each of you remembers and honors the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. And while we may not all observe the same holidays in the same manner, we should all be aware of how He came to earth to live as a man among us, taught others about salvation, and died for our sins.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Gini Branch
12/05/05
Good title for this piece. Lots of room to expand into a personal devotional work. Think the source for the quote got missed.
Jan Ackerson
12/07/05
I can see each paragraph of the last half of this piece expanded to a daily devotion.

One little typo that made me smile: galoshes, not goulashes, unless you're talking about hamburger and noodle casserole.

Sandra Petersen
12/08/05
Nice commentary on the renewal felt in the coming of spring. I chuckled along with Jan over the misspelled galoshes (In my childhood my mother made excellent goulash, but I never wore it except in extra pounds!)
There is some proofreading needed: Your first paragraph shifts from present tense to past tense and back again; needs to stay in one tense.
Putting an extra line between paragraphs helps readers with reading the piece. Reread your quotation of Zechariah 9:9; it isn't quoted quite right. You meant 'shout', not 'should', etc.
Yes, the paragraphs of this piece would make excellent devotions.