As I sit by the fireplace with the wind outside howling and blurry flashes of snow outside the window cutting one way and then the other, I am comforted by one thought. My friends in Chicago are getting hit harder than we are here in Wisconsin. (Just joking, Chicago friends. You have suffered enough.)
I can’t wait to see what the landscape looks like at morning’s light. In preparation, I went looking for a theology of snow in Scripture. Sure enough, there is one.
1. Snow reminds us of the awesomeness of God’s creation and of God’s sovereignty.
“God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour…. By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast” (Job 37:5-6, 10).
2. Snow, its pure, blinding form, is a symbol of the glory of God.
“The Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool” (a vision of God; Daniel 7:9).
“His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow” (the angel at the empty tomb; Matthew 28:3)
“The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters” (the vision of Jesus; Revelation 1:14-15)
3. Snow in its perfect whiteness, is a symbol of the purity that comes from the incontestable forgiveness of God.
“Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
Nothing trivial here. The natural world is a lesson book of life which God has written. So those of us among the tens of millions of Americans getting hit by this massive storm can take a moment to look around and reflect tomorrow before getting the shovel out. It will be a whole new world. And those of you reading this who live in the Caribbean–you don’t know what you’re missing!
As I attempted to shovel the snow that fell earlier yesterday, I was in awe of the strength of the wind and was reminded of how mighty God is! I, too, am bracing myself for what my eyes will behold when this blizzard finally passes! I really appreciate the verses with a referece to SNOW, especially the one from Isaiah.
Thank you for your reflection of the greatness and wonders of our Creator! I always disliked winter and dreaded snow falls, especially when I had to go out in it and drive. I do appreciate 4 wheel drive though. In the future, I’ll try to see winter through the eyes of the Bible.
Thank you again!
Fantastic! Having grown up on the beaches of the west coast, my wife and I have lived in the mid-west for nearly 9 years. As we anticipated this deep winter (this past fall) I simply asked God for a heart for the snow, since we live in it for 7 months out of the year. Pretty simple. I could be miserable…or I could embrace it all. He gave me a heart to embrace it all and I’m loving it. Your article is icing (hah!) on the cake. Peace be to you. Paul
You are braver than most West Coast transplants I know, Paul. Good for you.
I love Wisconsin and the change of the seasons! I love the snow! I always get a feeling of renewal. When we have a huge, beautiful snow storm it gives us time to spend with family we would not have taken otherwise. I am always amazed by the beauty that God has created. The snow can stop us for a time of reflection or give us a beautiful playland. The wind can cool us in the heat of the summer or chill us in the winter. The sun rises and sets every day and never looks the same and is always spectacularly beautiful! There are no reruns. That is what I love about all these gifts from God. It is always original. It is always new. A fresh start gives us hope from God because he loves us.
Thanks, Maggie. Great thoughts! The thing about beauty is that it slows us down–and that cuts against our culture. I wonder how many people today are taking advantage of the splendor of a changed landscape, rather than just focussing on digging out. I say that, however, not having picked up the shovel yet!
Thanks for making me stop this morning, Mel. Snow is one of my favorite things — because of its stillness and the calming effect it has on me. Amazing how God can speak!
I agree!
I have a 18 month old and am constintly reminded of the joy of having a child like heart especially in the snow… We caught big snow flakes in our mouth laughing knowing that God was all around us and smiling 🙂
My goodness, thank you for this beautiful email, it was a joy to read and reflect on the true meaning of our surroundings.
Thanks, Diane.
Hi Mel: I am Jane Foerster’s mother and we love Elmbrook when we come to visit. We had a big blizzard here in Kansas City yesterday, and to day the sun is out and it is beautiful, I love the snow and I even love to shovel it. I am content knowing God has the world in his hands so it is alright with me. Thank you God for a beautiful day. Mildred Youmans
I see in the picture of the house Peace! God provided a refuge from the storm. Just like he provides a refuge in our hearts from the storms of life!
One other interesting metaphor associated with snow is a bit uncomfortable. In a few passages it is used to describe the color of leprous skin. It seems to convey the idea is lifelessness (devoid of color?). In our culture we speak of a person being as white as a sheet. Moses (Ex 4:6), Miriam (Nu 12:10) and Elisha’s servant, Gehazi (2 Ki 5:27), are examples.
On this awesome day, I thank God for this beautiful site and for the peace that surrounds us at this time! I am reminded of who is in charge!
Thanks for your theology of snow. I’ve had thoughts about that for years now, marveling a new each time the white stuff floats down. Ive come to believe that snow is a blessing and wonder
how folks can complain so and dread it – when it comes like a gift from above.!
Growing up on Long Island . . . Otherwise the ugliest place . . . , I learned to rejoice with the arrival of each new white blanket covering the ugliness. I’m enjoying it now!