Reflections on snow.

I doubt it failed to come to your attention that yesterday it snowed. There is something about snow which I find so compelling and exciting; perhaps it is because within minutes everything that was once looked so familiar will appear new, or perhaps it is the prospect of disruption to a normal day. But any way, as I was in work I kept catching sight of the now falling outside the window and this made me think… not about snow, but God’s grace.

Surprisingly pure snow is transparent, not white at all. As it falls towards the earth it filters the air picking up all of its miniscule impurities. The irony is the imperfections in it that makes snow white. I wonder if this is why the air smells so good after it has snowed?
God’s grace is like this, as his forgiveness falls through our life it picks up all the impurities (some we see, some we can’t) and it leaves us pure, redeemed, cleansed, clothed in white.

“But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own.” (1 John 3:2-3 MSG)
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” (Rev 3:5 NIV)

Each snowflake is unique. We all know this but when you think about this fact as you watch all of the snow falling doesn’t it just thrill you?
When God pours out His grace into our lives it is not from some stockpiled store, it is tailor-made for you! The grace He pours out into your life is unlike the grace He gives anyone else; His grace meets our needs perfectly – He knows what we need.

“For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matt 6:8 NIV)
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19 NIV)

It doesn’t matter what the landscape is, whether it is industrial or mudded field or woodland, once snow has fallen all the rough edges and imperfections are gone; all you can see is a smooth free flowing white landscape. Even the most treacherous landscapes become innocent and beautiful.
No matter what state our lives are in God’s grace perfects us, He doesn’t disguise things He transforms them.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21 NIV) “And when God is personally present… [there is] nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” (2 Cor 3:17-18 MSG)
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children…” (Eph 5:1 NIV)

Snow protects. Even though it may be cold it insulates the earth under it protecting the tender plant life it has covered. Like a mother tenderly protecting her young, the snow covers all these young shoots so that in the spring we see such a beautiful display of flowers.
God’s grace also protects us; it allows us to grow even when the harshness of the storm around us threatens to damage us. Under God’s grace we flourish.

“But because Jesus lives forever… he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Heb 7:24-25 NIV)
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…” (Ps 92:12-14 NIV)

I love looking out over a snow covered landscape. When everything is wrapped up in its chilly duvet it is all united; the snow means that you can no longer distinguish the difference between road and field, hedge or ditch – it all becomes one.
Because of God’s grace all those in Christ can become one despite our vast differences – unified in forgiveness, bonded in grace.

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you… Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Col 3:13,15 NIV)


But snow melts, our God’s grace and mercy towards us never does!

I love snow days!

- Andrew Carey