I suppose it's somewhat ironic that a photo challenge about sunshine and light comes on Good Friday, the darkest day of the Christian calendar.
Today is not a day of sunshine. It is a day that dark shadows fall over the earth as the Son of God hangs from a cross, taking on my sins and those of the world.
It seems there is nothing "good" about Good Friday.
We again hear Jesus' plea:
We know that it is our sins that nailed His hands and feet to the cross. It is we who are responsible for Jesus' suffering.About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani
which means,
My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?Matthew 27: 46
And yet, we also know the "rest of the story." We know that on Easter Sunday, we will commemorate a much brighter day, a day when Jesus fulfills the prophecy of old, and an angel proclaims:
And because we know the rest of the story, we can celebrate New Life today.The only way to see the beauty of a stained glass window
is if light shines through it.
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen from the dead."Matthew 28: 5-6
The world welcomes another day as sunlight turns water droplets on wheat into sparkling jewels during a morning walk.
Light and shadows dance across the blossoms of a pear tree ...
And a bee drinks in the nectar of life, just as we can.
A flower opens its bloom, revealing a center as bright as the sun.
Even the darkest shadows - like on Good Friday - can reflect beauty in the right light.
May you find the promise of Easter in the world around you, and may you be blessed!***
I'm also linked to Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday at Michelle's Graceful: Faith in the Everyday.
Happy Easter, Kim! Travel safely and have a great weekend with your family.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful and insightful post. The Pear Tree blossoms are my favorite picts. I think the way you captured the tulips and their shadows is neat too.
Thanks, Robyn! Our granddaughter, along with her parents, are coming here. It will be Kinley's first time here, so we are excited. Happy Easter to you, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the time and effort you put into this blog. It's always very good. Thank you! Have a Happy Easter and enjoy that grandbaby!! Debbie M
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie, for taking time to comment. Happy Birthday!
DeleteAMEN and amen! Lovely photographs.
ReplyDeleteMay you and your family have a blessed weekend remembering that supreme sacrifice.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Rosie. Blessings to you and your family, too, this Easter weekend!
DeleteWow, what beautiful photos and a well put together blog post!
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have a good weekend!
Happy Easter,
Samantha
KreativeKaring.com
Thanks so much, Samantha! I'm so glad to have you stop by the County Line! Happy Easter to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, and I LOVE how you tied the biblical theme of light into this... so thankful for the Light of the World, and this weekend to celebrate His victory over darkness! Blessings!
ReplyDelete"And yet, we also know the "rest of the story." We know that on Easter Sunday, we will commemorate a much brighter day" - Love this, and how wonderfully you've tied these thoughts and themes together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking part in the Leap into Spring Photo Challenge, I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Lovely entry, LOVELY testimony! Without the darkness of Christ's horrible Friday, there would be no light of his glorious Easter rising! Praise the Lord, HE IS RISEN!
ReplyDeleteMindy~
www.mooneyequalsmc2.com
These are great! I love that you tied in the crucifixion of Jesus with our sunshine/light theme. What a wonderful message of hope!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining us in the Leap Into Spring Photo Challenge! Next week's theme will be Easter/eggs. Can't wait to see what you come up with! Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!