In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree,

In cocoons a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free! (Natalie Sleeth, 1985)

              It truly is one of the great wonders of creation, the way something seemingly so lifeless, so blah, can transform into something wonderful. The bulb becomes a beautiful tulip. The seed becomes a fruitful apple tree. An empty tomb becomes a sign of new life.

              The Gospel of Luke tells us that early on the first day of the week, some women went to the tomb where Jesus had been placed just a few days before. They came with their spices and ointments to give him the proper burial that there was not time for on Friday. When they arrived, the stone was rolled away and two angels told them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here, but has risen.”

              Just like that, the tomb is transformed. Like the bulb or the seed, seemingly lifeless when planted in the earth, Jesus has sprung up and demonstrated the power and wonder of God and the promise of new life.

              For those who have passed away before us, there is new life in God.

              For those weighed down by the heavy burdens of the day, there is new life in God.

              For those who struggle with illness and disease, there is new life in God.

              For those who are filled with worry and angst, there is new life in God.

              For you, and whatever tomb you find yourself within, there is new life in God. Because early on the first day of the week, some women went to the tomb and it was empty!

In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.