Aww…some Monday

Spring is just around the corner and flowers will be in bloom. The Dogwood tree and it’s blossom is a reminder of Easter. The notches in the petals are a reminder to the crown of thorns and the nails placed in Christ’s hands and feet on the cross. The Dogwood flower is a symbol of rebirth and resurrection. According to information gleaned from the internet, the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was made out of Dogwood, which is the main reason why this tree and flower is often linked to Christianity. It was cursed to be small forever, so it would never grow large enough to be used again as a cross for a crucifixion. Its branches would be narrow and crooked, which makes it no good for building. At the same time, however, the tree was blessed so it would produce beautiful flowers each spring, just in time for Easter.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Continuing the above theme, the two greatest events in human history are the birth of Christ, the promised Messiah, and the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior that validates God’s promises in the Old Testament. God’s inspired prophets of the Old Testament gave virtually all of the details surrounding the life of Christ hundreds of years prior to the arrival of Jesus. The fifth chapter of Micah declares that the Savior will come out of Bethlehem. When the wise men asked Herod where the king of the Jews could be found, because they had seen His star, Herod inquired of the Hebrew scholars and they said, “He’s supposed to be born in Bethlehem.” They knew the truth but did not act on it when Christ was born. The 53rd chapter of Isaiah describes the coming Savior as someone who looks like everyone else. There are no physical traits that set Him apart when He walks down the street. The same scripture says that God has laid the sin of the world upon the Messiah and that when He is led, as a lamb to the slaughter, He will remain silent. Christ did not defend His position during His trial, but when threatened by Pilot, the Savior told the governor that he had NO power over Jesus unless it was granted to him by God Almighty. From that moment forward Pilot sought to find a way to release Christ.

Easter brings the celebration of the resurrection of Christ and the Bible tells us that He will return to this earth one day to gather His church and take them home. That day is coming but no one knows when. New Testament prophets tell us He will return with a shout and a trumpet and in the twinkling of an eye the rapture of the saved with take place and those who are left will face the darkest days in the history of the world, followed by an eternity in a place prepared for those who reject the truth. Christ said that He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it! The world was condemned prior to the arrival of the Messiah and God has provided a way to escape judgment and spend eternity in His presence. Today’s music will celebrate that day.