February Festivals?

Dear Redeemed in Christ,

February is here again, marking a number of occasions. In terms of the greater spectrum of importance, probably the least significant is Ground Hog Day. However, Ground Hog Day is, in a sense, a little relief from some of the winter doldrums. It may indeed be much ado about nothing, but people do allow themselves a few days to be silly about something over which they have no control—namely the length of winter. If we understand the mechanism of Ground Hog Day, if the Ground Hog sees his shadow, it is meant to indicate a six week extension of winter. If not, winter is meant to be shorter. Seeing the shadow is not a good thing on Ground Hog Day.

But the other major observation this month, aside from Valentine’s Day, is Ash Wednesday, which begins this month on the 22nd. Lent gives us an opportunity to stand in a shadow; but, in this case, the shadow is powerful and significant for all of us. It is the shadow of the cross. For in realizing the power above and the sacrifice that combines together in what Jesus does for us, we take that shadow as a measure of comfort and reassurance. For the shadow of the cross, which begins on Ash Wednesday, reminds us that the power of sin and death are ultimately destroyed by God in Jesus’ resurrection. In Lent, it is the darkness that is anticipating the light. So I can say that we can enjoy Ground Hog Day, but embrace the power of Lent.

In His Service,

Pastor Woody Mather