March 2, 2026 – Daily Devotional
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reminds us that we are new creations in Christ. The old has passed away and everything has become new.
During the years when we lived in Ohio, Easter came early several times. That often-meant snow, jackets, scarves, and gloves. The delay of spring always seemed disappointing in those years. As many had told me when we moved there, “Be prepared, winter is long!” You never really understand this phrase until you’ve lived it for several years.
There are many things that I love about Easter in the South. I enjoy the colors, the Easter egg hunts, the candy (I love candy), and finally, the invitation of spring that seems to be part of the day. It’s always fun to see what everyone wears for Easter: the new clothes, jackets, ties, dresses, and the hats. I love the hats. When Katie and I lived in Nashville, many of the ladies would wear spring hats for Easter. It was always fun to see them.
Yet one of the things I enjoy most about Easter now is the birth of spring. While it isn’t always true, Easter seems to often usher in spring. I love the tulips, the grass turning green, the trees starting to bud, the sun shining through earlier in the morning, the warmth of the sun throughout the day, and all of life taking on a new look and feel.
The sun shining bright always makes life better for me.
Little did the disciples and others realize just how different their lives would be when the sun burst forth that first Easter morning. I’m confident they had no idea just how much their lives would change as the stone rolled away from the tomb and light sprung forth into the grave. In that moment light would once again shine in the darkness, and no one could quite understand the change that was opening for all the world.
To me, each Easter is an invitation to watch the old pass away and the newness of life spring forth. It is an invitation for all the light to once again shine in the darkness of death. It is a gentle reminder that change is more than part of the seasons; it is a way of life. It is a chance for me to do more than watch. It is a chance for me to see my heart, life, attitude, and world change. I can be a part of not only seeing my life change but also bringing change to the world around me.
Dr. Scott Peterson, Pastor of Facility and Stewardship
