“NE’ER cast a clout ‘til may be out,”* goes the old adage, though it’s never clear whether that means may blossom or the month of May.

Whichever it is, it is now May and the May blossom is out so hopefully, hopefully we can now all put our winter coats away.

And it’s not just us that want an end to the cold, that last frost killed off the growing shoots of so many plants in my garden.

Let’s hope that spring really is here at last.

Spring is the season of hope, the return of warmth and new growth everywhere gives us a lift.

Spring is the season we start to celebrate weddings in our Churches – and usually get booking for next year’s too.

People look for new jobs, think about moving house or perhaps take up new challenges.

It’s a good time.

And of course it resonates strongly with the Christian season of Easter as you’ll know if you’ve been following this column over the last few weeks.

The resurrection of Jesus brought hope to the world and our yearly remembrance of it fills us with hope too.

But there is a difference.

We all know that spring is only here for a while, to be followed by summer and then autumn, and by the end of autumn our spirits will be drooping as we head into winter again.

But Easter is here for all time.

Yes, we remember it once a year but the reality of Christ raised from the dead doesn’t go away.

That Christian hope, that comes from knowing that even death could not defeat Jesus, is forever.

It doesn’t depend on the time of the year or even how we’re feeling. Jesus is alive and offers new life to all who turn to him, whether or not you’re wearing your coat.

* For those who only speak modern English, it roughly translates as, ‘Never take your coat off until May is here.’

Rev Mike Holloway

Vicar of the Beacon Benefice