Snow!

By Patrick Hogan

The arrival of the first snow fall of the season (though it was only a little snow mixed with sleet) has produced a variety of reactions I folks. To some, snow produces negative thoughts. To some it brings very excited and positive thoughts (“No school!!).

A fairly heavy snow, pure and white, can hide an otherwise unsightly landscape, lending beauty to the less than lovely. Looking at a freshly fallen snow, I find it hard to imagine anything that might be whiter.

When we have the privilege of seeing a new snow we should be reminded of two passages of scripture. Psalm 51:7 records David’s request as he repented of his sin, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Isaiah 1:18 records God’s invitation and promise: “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Thought your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”

Regardless of how bad our sins may be, through Jesus we can experience forgiveness. We can “be whiter than snow.”

The next time you see a blanket of snow covering everything, let it be a reminder of this glorious thought.

- Patrick Hogan serves as a minister and elder of the Shady Acres church of Christ, in Sikeston, MO. He may be contacted through the church's website at http://www.shadyacreschurch.com