Let It Snow
For most of us, snow at Christmas time is something we long for. The Irving Berlin song, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” is a Christmas classic that many of us can sing from heart. A “white Christmas” sounds wonderful to many people.
And yet I wonder, why do we long for a white Christmas? Is it because we love the frosty breath, the crunching of snow under our boots, or the snowball fights and snowmen our children build? Or is it because of the beauty of snow?
When snow is beautiful
There is something absolutely breathtaking about snow covered fields. There is a quietness and peace that comes from a tranquil snowy day as snowflakes slowly flutter down to the ground.
I believe this is what we picture when we think of a white Christmas. But, snow doesn’t always come down quietly.
When snow isn’t beautiful
Sometimes, snow blasts us with icy windblown pellets. Other times, snow comes heavy and wet, breaking tree limbs, causing snow shoveling backaches, and creating havoc on the streets.
Those are the type of storms most of us dread. And if we are honest with ourselves, once Christmas passes, many of us would rather avoid snow altogether. We want dustings of snow at Christmas, but for the rest of the year, we see snow as a hindrance to our every day lives.
Four Biblical reasons to appreciate snow
However you feel about snow, we should acknowledge that God sends it. Whether you see snow as a blessing, a curse, or a little bit of both, let’s take a minute to explore what it can teach us. Here are four ways that snow teaches us about God…
#1
Snow Displays God’s Blinding Purity
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18
“White as snow,” conveys a sign of extreme purity. In Revelation, Christ’s appearance is described as being “white as snow.” There is a brilliance to newly-fallen snow and its pure white qualities. For those brief moments after a snowstorm, before humans interact with it, newly fallen snow can give us a sense of newness and purity.
New, white snow is so reflective that it can cause temporary blindness if you focus too much on its brilliance. It makes me wonder if snow-blindness is similar to the glorious brilliance of the Lord in all of His glory, when men had to turn away their eyes because they could not bear His brilliance.
The purity of newly-fallen snow should remind us of Christ’s purifying work in our lives. I believe this is one of the reasons we long for a snowy Christmas. It reminds us of the beauty of what the Lord did for us at this time of the year.
#2
Snow Displays God’s Immense Power and Glory
Secondly, the Lord has very specific purposes for snow. In Job 37: 5-14, we are told:
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
7 So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.
8 The animals take cover; they remain in their dens.
9 The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds.
10 The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.
11 He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them.
12 At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.
13 He brings the clouds to punish people, or to water his earth and show his love.
14 “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.
Job 37: 5-14
As verses 7 and 13 show us, snow displays God’s glory and power over our lives. God uses it to show us his glory. A simple snowstorm can bring all of man’s plans to a screeching halt, closing schools, businesses and roads. God uses snow to punish, and He uses it to water the earth. Again, we are given a purpose of snow in Job 38:22-23:
“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail,
23 which I reserve for times of trouble, or days of war and battle?
Job 38:22-23
The Lord uses snow for times of trouble. A gentle snowflake can be used to water the land, or to completely shut down an area depending on the Lord’s purpose. Without a doubt, snow shows us the power and glory of God.
#3
Snow Displays God’s Provision
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
This passage shows us that snow is used to bring nourishment to the land so we may grow food and be filled ourselves. Snow is a method for God’s provision for the earth.
But also in this passage, we see a comparison of snow to the Word of God. God’s Word will accomplish all that God desires. It does not leave us feeling empty. In fact, we need the snow in the winter to help us avoid drought in the summer. Those heavy wet spring snows we all dread are exactly what we need to water the ground.
So too, we need the Word of God. Sometimes the Word is difficult to hear. It can be difficult to obey, but the Word accomplishes what the Lord has planned before the dawn of time. And one of the main messages of Scripture is to trust in the Lord despite the storms you may be facing.
That’s why we’re told in Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Additionally, James tells us:
Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-3
The next time you’re in a snowstorm, remember this: Snow displays God’s provision, both for our nourishment and for the completion of His work in us.
#4
Snow Challenges Us to Work Through Adversity
Our life’s circumstances are often like snow. Given the choice, most of us would prefer light, gentle dustings of snow, or perhaps no snow at all.
But just as God uses snow to display His purity, His glory and power, and His provision in our lives, God brings our life circumstances do the very same things.
Think of the Christmas story. Mary had to endure the social stigma of being unwed and pregnant. Joseph had to choose between believing Mary’s incredible story, or shunning her. As a couple, they were forced to make a long, hazardous journey to Bethlehem, only to pay taxes. And upon their arrival, they endured the stress of having no place to stay.
Most of us would have struggled to continue trusting God in the midst of all these trials. But God used all these difficult circumstances in Mary and Joseph’s life to bring about the birth of the Messiah.
What if they’d given in to adversity?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
What if Mary and Joseph had let their circumstances control their actions? What if Mary had run away rather than dealing with the social rejection? What if Joseph had followed the crowd in condemning Mary? What if they had grown angry with God for their unfavorable circumstances instead of trusting in Him?
Instead, they chose to trust God and “Let it snow.” They accepted their circumstances, and allowed the purposes of the Lord to work in their lives.
Let it Snow!
So, the next time it begins to snow, whether its the idyllic snowfall we all love, or whether it’s a blustery blizzard, remember that God sends the snow for His good purposes! And metaphorically, when God sends a blizzard your way, rejoice in His purity, His power, His provision, and His work in your life.
And let it snow.
“Let It Snow:” A Christian Version
Oh the weather of the world is frightful,
But the Lord is so delightful
And since the Lord’s in control,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
His power there is no stopping,
And my fears I will be dropping,
His glory I want to show,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
When we finally see His face,
He will wipe all our tears away,
So let’s cling to his love and grace,
And we’ll look to that wonderful day!
Oh this world is slowly dying,
And we’ll soon be all goodbye-ing
And to Heaven we’ll someday go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
