Bill McLean is pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Delphi. The first of April is a day that some people dread because of memories of practical jokes played on them in past years or that they are afraid will be played on them this year. Still other people look forward each year to the first of April as an opportunity to play jokes on others. No matter which view you hold, most people know that April Fool's Day will be full of practical jokes and attempts to trick people.

April Fool's Day this year comes toward the end of the season of Lent, the period in the Christian church year of preparation and anticipation of Easter. This is a time when Christians are called to reflect on their actions and behaviors throughout their lives as we seek to repent from our wrong doings and restore our relationship with God.

While the thought of reflecting on our lives can be intimidating at anytime, during times of economic uncertainty and conflict throughout the world this reflection can be even more daunting.

Yet, through scripture we learn of God's love and grace which is beyond anything that we can possibly understand. As Jesus tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16, NRSV.

This gift of God's incredible love and grace is, was and forever will be free and that is no April Fool's Day joke!