In the calendar of the Christian year, Easter always comes a few months after Christmas. We are told that the earliest possible date for Easter is March 22 and the latest is April 25. That means Great Lent (the spiritual preparation leading to Good Friday and Easter) could begin as early as February 2 or as late as March 8.

Some years Lent starts in the dead of winter.

Other years it begins closer to springtime.

In 2016, it begins on February 7.

It is good that Christmas and Easter are not far apart because we cannot understand one without the other. If Christmas tells us why Jesus came, then Easter tells us he fully accomplished his mission.

In between those two events we have the whole life of Christ. That's our focus this year as we walk 'In His Steps.'

Between now and Easter we will cover many of the places Jesus visited while he was on the earth. I hope in taking this journey together, we will come to know Christ better and to love him more.