Cherry blossoms come soon in season. The modest, gentle pink flowers bloom and fall
together like snow. We, Japanese like them so much. They represent winter gone and
the new season’s beginning. This is why we gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms and
feast under the trees.

Many people love spring. It is full of new expectations. People also like autumn because it is the season of harvesting fruits. Leaves change color to yellow and red. Many also like summer as it is filled with life and energy. The growth of plants and
the active animals are very energetic, full of excitement of life.

Cherry blossoms endure the cold winter before they even bud. Because they are still in
storing energy, they can bloom beautifully in spring. Winter is sometimes seen like a
villain and people do not like it very much. It’s known as the dark severe season where
nothing blooms nor bears and blows away all the leaves on the trees making them bare.
However, it’s said that if there were no winter, i.e. no season of severe dormancy or
hibernation, most plants and animals would not be able to live lively as they are. In the
same way, the cherry blossoms would not bloom beautifully if it weren’t for this winter. It
doesn’t just bloom because the winter is over, but because it got through, the flowers
bloom, becoming verdurous and grow.

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The life of resurrection was completed after the death of Christ on the Cross. Through
trials and sufferings, new glory of the Lord blooms. Let us praise the One who created all
seasons and count our blessings as we enjoy this season of spring!

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Pastor Takeshi