Boing! It’s nearly spring.Snowdrops sprout, lambs leap and and hope is in the air…
In this post:
- Snowdrops – the first gift of spring
- Imbolc – an ancient tradition breathing life into Christianity today
- Hope – some promises and truths you can stand on all year round
Snowdrops
These small white bells are the first sign of new growth and a new beginning. The first gift of spring amid the bleakness of winter. The tiny flowers are remarkably hardy, surviving despite the cold and the dark.
It lifts your spirits.
Their scientific name Galanthus nivalis means ‘milky white flowers of the snow.’ Or in French they’re known as ‘Perce-neige,’ or snow-piercers. You sometimes do see them poking through snow in February – symbolic of winter but hinting at the potential of spring.
Snowdrops are also known as Candlemas Bells as they were commonly gathered to decorate UK churches at this time of year, before the Reformation changed things. Their pure white colour connects them to Mary’s right of purification in the temple 40 days after Christmas, hence Candlemas is celebrated on 2nd Feb.
If you’re out and about on a snowy, dull, cold or wet day this month, why not search out some snowdrops. Places like Easton Walled Garden and Lamport Hall have seasonal events, but no doubt these delicate bells will spring up all over the place.
Wherever you spot them I pray they revive your soul as they nod their heads to life, hope and the season to come.
Imbolc
Also known as the start of Celtic Spring, Imbolc has it’s roots in paganism. It was traditionally associated with the onset of lactation of ewes, soon to give birth to their spring lambs.
The Celtic Christians, who were deeply in tune with the natural world, kept many of these ancient traditions as they worshipped God and made Jesus the centre of their lives.
But whether you’re pagan, a sheep farmer, a Celtic Christian or anything else, Imbolc is always a time to look forward, with hope…
The sun starts to feel warmer as it rises higher in the sky, and the fallen leaves of autumn have become the soil that’s now nourishing the early spring blooms. Plants that seemed dead only a month ago are beginning to show green and the birds are gradually becoming more vocal.
Life is awakening once more.
For Christians Imbolc is marked as the feast day of St Brigid, celebrated on 1st Feb. People make St Brigid’s crosses and parade doll-like figures of Brigid from house to house. To receive her blessings they may make a bed for Brigid and leave food, drink and clothes out for her. Special feasts and visits to holy wells often feature too.
Hope
So with the season of hope nearly upon us, I thought I’d share some of God’s everlasting promises.
There are many.
Enjoy and be blessed as you read. Let God’s word permeate your soul as you soak in the truth. And next time you spot a snowdrop, remember our Lord Jesus Christ. Hope is rising…
“Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.” – Is 40:31 (NLT)
“The Lord himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense.” – Ex 14:14 (NLT)
“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” – Is 43:2 (NLT)
“”For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but even then I will remain loyal to you. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.”- Is 54:10 (NLT)
“He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” – Matt 6:33 (NLT)
God bless xx
If you enjoyed this post and know others who will too, please share. Here’s the link: https://creationlifeadventure.co.uk/2022/01/spring-is-in-air-hope-is-rising/
And you can now follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creation_life_adventure/