Amaryllis bulbs are a metaphor for hope.

Hope is God’s promise when it is a dark time for us, when we cannot see signs of change or the possibility of growth.

One has to wait and be patient…hope is not a quick fix!  The hope which God gives us provides a place to stand that is positive and life giving.  Without hope, we turn dark, disappointed and we give up on our dreams.  Hope gives us courage to move forward, to step out into the darkness.  Hope helps us to take risks where there is not certainty of outcomes.

The foundation of our faith is built upon hope as written in Hebrews 11: 1-3.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

The amaryllis begins as a large bulb, its earthy darkness hiding the beauty within.  As it is planted, watered and receives the light it shoots up into a tall stem with large bud.  Suddenly a brilliantly colored bloom bursts forth from the bud with 4 large blossoms.

Beautiful!  A picture of how God surprises us with overflowing grace.

Reverend Joy Kulvicki