The month of March arrives with a quiet but unmistakable shift. The spring equinox draws near, and with it comes the slow triumph of light over darkness as days stretch longer and the sun lingers a bit more generously. After months of winter’s restraint, creation begins to stir as buds tighten with promise, birdsong returns and the world seems to breathe more freely again. This turning of the seasons is subtle yet profound. It is a reminder that God’s renewing work often begins in small increments before it bursts into full bloom.

Disciples of Jesus Christ feel this shift in our bones because it mirrors the story we carry toward Easter. Christ’s resurrection is the great unveiling of God’s victory over sin and death. It is the moment when divine light breaks through the world’s deepest shadows. As daylight grows, we are invited to remember that Christ’s rising is not only a past event but a present reality. It is an ongoing dawn that continues to warm and transform our lives. The lengthening days become a living parable that proclaims the truth that darkness and death do not get the final word when it comes to us and our future.

A line from one of my favorite movies, the Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers, captures this theme beautifully. When the wizard Gandalf returns to his friends, renewed and radiant, he tells them he has come back “at the turning of the tide.” That phrase resonates with the equinox and with Easter alike. In Christ’s resurrection the tide truly turns as hope overcomes despair, life overcomes death and God’s light begins its unstoppable advance. The official celebration of Easter in worship remains a month away, but the countdown to this ultimate victory surrounds us in ways that can inspire and encourage, especially when winter is reluctant to leave. As spring unfolds around us, may we have eyes to see and hearts to experience the same holy turning in our own lives as we continue to trust the power of the risen Christ working to bring renewal, courage and joy to our days.