This column is written for the Stray Ferret on this Easter Sunday by Father Darryl Hall, Vicar of the United Parish of Upper Nidderdale:

The winter lockdown seems to have been the hardest one to endure. Long, dark, cold and often wet days. This seemed to cast a dreariness that makes you want to hibernate until it has passed. However, as I sit typing this, people are getting ready to head out and receive their second vaccination. Churches are beginning to reopen for public worship. It really does feel as though we are emerging from an extended period of Lent.

And as we emerge, I have noticed other things around me emerging too.

Coy snowdrops with their heads bowed as if deep in prayer were a joy to see on our walks a few weeks ago. Then came the crocuses adding bursts of yellow and purple and now masses of long green stems lift high the golden resplendence of the daffodils. The greatest of all signs that Easter is near, comes with lambs skipping in the green fields.Their bleating, the chorus of the birds and the warm kiss of the sun tell of a promise to those who know how to read the signs.

Celtic Christianity refers to this as the Primary Scriptures. The New Testament is full of Good News, but it cannot be fully understood unless we understand the Old Testament. In turn the Old Testament really needs the primary scriptures to best be understood. The divine presence is so evident in all things created that we cannot fail to see it, if only we would create the time to notice it.

I encourage you all to make a habit of consciously loving all of God’s creation. Look at the world with the eyes of your heart, with awe and wonder. When the heart is warmed by what we see then we have made a connection with God.God loves the world he has made and he loves you too.

Nowhere is this demonstrated more clearly than in the resurrection of Christ when Jesus emerges from the tomb. Throughout our lives we may encounter many experiences that scream of good news.Yet these are pale reflections of that moment in history, which means so much to Christians around the world. All these things help us get through life and should be celebrated.

However, the Good News of Jesus Christ and the resurrection reaches even beyond the grave and into the glorious light of the Kingdom of God. I encourage you now, as we emerge from all the lockdown restrictions, to rekindle your flame of faith.

If you have never had a faith or lost it at some point, see the trail of breadcrumbs that God has left for you to discover his love of the world and especially of you.

God bless you all.

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