We’ve had heavy snowfall, frosty mornings and plenty of rain but the signs of Spring are already showing…

…the first being the humble snowdrop, a symbol of new beginnings, hope, optimism and purity. As we enter the season of Lent the snowdrop’s three pure white delicate flower petals on a single stem is also a reminder of the strength and hope that is found within the trinity. Whilst the snowdrop marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring it does so in humility, its head is always bowed – this could be seen as a reference to the servant king, but it also hints towards the crucifixion of Jesus and Mary’s sorrow, head bowed down in grief at the foot of the cross for her son.

But as we know that’s not the end of the story – it’s the start of a new beginning… which the snowdrop sums up beautifully.