Covered in White

 

When snow falls gently to the ground, it is truly a gift.  Each snowflake, unique in its beauty and character, drifts from a cloudy sky down to earth, creating a blanket of white that is distinct to each snowstorm.  The snowstorm this past week gave us puffy snow, light and fluffy.  Other times, the snow can be heavy and dense.  Much of it depends on the atmosphere that surrounds the stormy conditions.  Yet, each time, I continue to be amazed at the splendor of snow.

Snowflakes are an incredible gift from God.  Each flake, formed from the clouds, is completely unique.  One does not match the other. The very ‘short’ version of why is that the crystals begin forming in the clouds.  As they drop to earth, they gather more water molecules on them.  In doing so, distinct patterns are created – no two alike.

God’s gift of different snowflakes is just like God’s gift of different people.  Each one of us has been created in our own uniqueness, with our own pattern, not like any other human.  We may have similar characteristics such as where we were born or the color of our skin.  Yet, our differences far outweigh our similarities, each of us with our own opinions, thoughts, physical traits, emotions, etc.  It is those differences that make the beauty of this world, just like the beautiful blanket of snow.  If you have ever looked upon newly fallen snow, the peace that exudes is amazing.  When different people are united together, there is also great peace.

Jesus has given us that peace that unites us.  He has taken each of us in our differences and has made us white as snow with his death and resurrection.  By dying on the cross, he took our scarlet sins upon himself and gave us the gift of salvation, sins white as snow.  All of our differences cannot undo the beauty of God’s forgiveness of our sins, taking each of us in our unique ‘snowflake’ image and gathering us together under his blanket of white snow.  With all the gifts we have been given, the gift of salvation, turning our scarlet sins into white as snow, is the greatest gift of all.  We ALL have this gift to unite us and bring us peace.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for covering us in white, turning our scarlet sins into white as snow.  May we remember this special gift of salvation each time we meet someone that may be different than us.  You died for every person, in the spirit of their uniqueness.  May we all live in peace knowing we are saved.  Amen!