Monday morning we woke with the wonder of this year’s first snowfall. Even though it was just a light dusting, for a short while there was the beauty of a white blanket covering the green grass and the brownish soil. I must admit that I still have a childlike excitement about snow. Perhaps it comes from my father. I remember his sense of adventure whenever it snowed. Contrary to most, who chose to stay in, Dad would suggest we go for a drive to see different places and how they were uniquely covered with the white flaky stuff. And go we did. Not every time, for he knew when safety and common sense dictated enjoying the winter wonderland by staying home by the fire. I am well aware, that for many, a snowfall does not bring excitement, but rather, extra work. For them I am truly grateful. Even more I am grateful for God’s creativity expressed in a single snowflake. It makes me reflect on the words of the Psalmist: “He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold? Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.” (Psalm 147:16-18 NLT)
In another psalm, on another day, snow is mentioned in an even greater way. It is a psalm of David regarding the day Nathan the prophet confronted him concerning his sin with Bathsheba. Once convicted, David cried out to God for mercy. “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.” (Psalm 51:1-3 NLT) Then recalling the purifying power of complete pardon, he exclaims: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7 NLT). So the next time it snows, if you can, sit by the fire for a spell and join the Psalmist in thanking God for the wonders of His creation. Then give an extra special thanks for being a new creation in Christ. Because of that, your sins once like scarlet are now as white as the fresh fallen snow.
– Terry Morrison