This week begins the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament affectionately called "March Maddess."  This season of the year is also the "high water-mark" of the Christian faith - the weeks leading up to Easter, the cornerstone of Christianity. 

In a sense, "The "Passion" of Jesus Christ - his betrayal, the trials on trumped up charges, his brutal beating at the hands of the Roman Gaurd, his suffering and death on the cross; as well as being abandoned by his closest disciples and mocked by his enemies - was "March Maddness" . . .  that turned into "Gladdness."

A few weeks from now one team will come through this season's NCAA Basketball tournament "glad."  They will be crowned champions and the rest of their life they will celebrate their championship season.

When we get to Easter here in a few weeks, we should be glad as well.  Knowing we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, a Savior who understands us and the Holy Spirit to guide us.  

By his victory over the grave Jesus has crowned all of those who have trusted in him as "champions" over sin and death.  

That's worth celebrating!