It snowed last night here in northern Michigan. That’s not an unusual occurrence most years, but I think we got as much last night as we have all winter so far. It got me to thinking as I looked outside and actually ventured out to take pictures. (No, I don’t shovel much, so that wasn’t on my agenda.)
One of the first things I saw were the cedar trees along the trail behind the house. They were bowed under the weight of the snow, and my immediate thought was that they were bowed in worship at the wonder of God’s creation.
Then I walked to the front of the house and saw these birds sitting on a branch looking out over the lake and was reminded how God cares for them, and even more for us. He protected them through the storm, kept them, and now they’re out and about, ready for another day. Matthew said it like this: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Finally I thought of the beauty of the freshly fallen snow, and was reminded of the hymn “Whiter Than Snow” written by James Nicholson in 1872.
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Isaiah said it like this: “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” How wonderful it is to have your sins forgiven and be washed whiter than snow!
