Living on “Sonshine”
How would you feel if the sun didn’t shine for days on end, where one day ran into the next without the warmth of the sun and the bright brilliant light we need to warm are bodies and to reenergize are spirits. I recall my mother who lives way up north tell me a number of years ago she went for 30 days without seeing the sun. That’s 30 days of overcast skies along with subzero temperatures and lots of snow. Many people suffer from depression during the winter months and there is a condition called Season Affective Disorder (SAD) that puts a name to how people feel living without the sun for extended periods. Though controversial and not clinically proven believe me from personal experience, the harsh realities of winter and the lack of sun takes its toll on you. So when spring finally roles around and the sunshine warms up the heart, melts the snow, and you see the first hint of green grass, you really feel a sense of joy. If you’ve only lived in the “sunshine state” it’s hard to know how good that feels to see the end of winter and the start of spring.
There is an interesting parallel between the death of winter with its long cold empty days and the rebirth of spring with, the fast approaching Holy Week that culminates with the celebration of Easter. SADly, many people will passover (puns intended) this season of celebration missing out on the joy this special time brings for those who believe in Christ’s victory over death.
In both cases everything revolves around the Son or sun depending on your perspective. The reason there is a winter season has to do with the relationship of the earth to the sun and our personal winter of discontent also revolves around the Son. Interesting as we move closer to the Son/sun we began to experience a season of rebirth, a new beginning. For those who already live in the “Sonshine State” that is, those who know the real message of Easter this is not anything you didn’t already know. But too many people only know a season of Easter Eggs and the Easter Bunny but nothing about the resurrection of Christ and they are frozen out of the real meaning of the Easter celebration. This year please make a special effort to offer an invitation to experience Easter in your church home. Ask someone that you know at work or lives on your block, or in the communities to join us in this special celebration. Don’t let your friends go too long without a healthy dose of Sonshine.
| Sermon Title | Date | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| In search of the truth | 8/29/2010 | John 14:1-7 |
| What about the other 99? | 9/12/2010 | Luke 15: 1-10 |
| Getting your two cents worth | 11/07/2010 | Haggai 1:1-8 Mark 12:37-44 |
| Jesus saves, we invest | 11/14/2010 | Deuteronomy 26:1-5 Luke 12:48 |
| Don't forget the stuffing | 11/21/2010 | Psalm 72:11-19 Mark 9:33-35 |
| The Mask | 11/28/2010 | Romans 13:11-14 |
Pastor Bodin may be reached directly by phone 786-877-8085 or by email sbodin@miamilakesumc.net.
Join us this Sunday as we search for the truth together.
Pastor Bodin may be reached directly by phone 786-877-8085 or by email sbodin@miamilakesumc.net.