Though we have entered March and the beginning of meteorological spring, it often still feels like winter when you are on the promenade in Largs or at the beach at Seamill!

At the very end of this month, we also celebrate Easter - with Easter Sunday on March 31. And over the next four weeks as I write the 'Thought for the Week', I thought we would look at an Easter theme.

Now, the preparation for Easter is called 'Lent'. These days, for many people the extent of Lent is giving up chocolate for a month before the indulgence of chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday. But of course, it is meant to be a time of preparation.

In many ways, Jesus spent the three years of his ministry preparing the disciples for his death and resurrection. But in the last week of his life, one of the ways he prepared them was by eating a meal with them. It was a significant meal - the Passover Meal - but Jesus brought new significance to it.

During the meal, Jesus took bread and gave it to the disciples. And he said: "Take and eat; this is my body." And then after supper, he said: "Drink...this is my blood…which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Jesus was preparing the disciples for what was about to happen to him. And though they probably didn't understand what Jesus meant by all he said, later it would all become clear. Because it symbolised what Jesus would do on the cross - giving up his body and blood as a sacrifice for sin.

And all around in the world today, in churches of different denominations and traditions, what Jesus instituted at the Last Supper is celebrated in the Lord's Supper.

We all, probably, remember significant meals that we have had. A meal to celebrate a birthday or a wedding anniversary or to celebrate an achievement.

But has any meal been more significant than the one Jesus had with his disciples? I'm sure it was memorable for them.

So as we enter into the spring (even if it feels like winter!) and head towards Easter, let us enjoy spending time with loved ones - especially over a meal. And let's remember THE meal which reminds us of what Easter is all about.