by the Rev Dick Watson Associate Minister, All Saints Church, Ilkley

SIGNS of Spring are all around. Snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils are heralding the longer daylight hours, as we leave the dark days of winter behind us for another year. New-born lambs are beginning to frolic in the meadows, and birds are looking out for partners and new nesting sites, as they prepare for the cycle of new life in creation.

Hot-cross buns and Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves remind us that we are looking forward to the profoundest events in the Christian calendar, as we move through the self-discovery season of Lent to the commemoration of Good Friday and to the celebration of Easter, with its message of new life in Christ.

Around us we are aware of the persistent darkness in our world; poisonous ideologies, human trafficking, modern–day slavery in a whole range of insidious forms, conflicts, injustices and corruption, at home and abroad. The forthcoming hustings to be hosted by Churches Together in Ilkley on April 22 (to which all are invited), will give us an opportunity to ask our electoral candidates about their views and intended responses to these and many other vital issues that affect the lives.

For Christians, the message of Easter, of Christ’s victory over evil and death, is a constant source of hope, strength and of potential transformation. One can either see the events of Good Friday as the blackest day in world history or as the pivotal point of new life that enabled God to demonstrate His love for all humanity through the raising of Christ from the dead.

St Paul in his letter to the embryo Christian Church in Phillipi, says: “Join with others in following my example to you, and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to transform your lives.”

We can be all too ready to pass judgement on our politicians, and others in positions of authority and leadership. Yet we are all called to leadership and service in one way or another, within family, community, industry or the wider world.

As we approach the season of spring, with its promise of new life all around us, may we also be co-workers with God in helping to bring the hope of new life and light a reality to all for whom Easter is just another date on their year’s calendar.