I'm not sure when it happened, but I used to love winter. As a child, I would look forward to winter and snow days, not only because I got out of school, but also because I could go out and play in the snow. My best friend, Lawrence (my wife's older brother), and I would bundle up in our winter gear so we could spend hours in the snow, sledding, earning money by digging out our neighbor's sidewalks and driveways, making snowmen, and getting into snowball fights with the other kids in the neighborhood. We never wanted to go in, and when we did, we would celebrate our snow day by drinking hot chocolate at my parents' kitchen table, looking out at the wintry landscape, while the birds fed at my parents' bird feeders. We never wanted it to end, and we would eagerly anticipate the next significant snowfall.

Now, however, I dread winter. I do look forward to Christmas, hoping for a White Christmas—though those are rare here. I still anticipate the first good snowfall, not just a dusting, but a substantial couple of inches that covers the cold, barren ground and transforms the world into a winter paradise. In that moment, I feel happy, whether I'm looking out at the snow or going outside to take pictures. I don't even mind shoveling the snow; it brings me a sense of contentment.

After a week, my feelings about the snow and cold began to change. What was once enjoyable, cleaning off the car and shoveling snow, has now become just another chore. Driving on ice-covered streets and parking lots has become a hassle, especially when I need to get to work or run errands. My attitude has shifted to, "Okay, Winter, you gave us a nice snowfall, now it's time for you to go away and bring on spring!"

But snow can teach us something about God's grace. In Isaiah 1:18, it says, "Come now, and 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 be as wool."

Snow is often used in scripture as a symbol of purity; its vibrant whiteness reminds us of the transforming power of God's forgiveness. Just as snow covers the imperfections and ugliness of the earth, God's grace can cover the stains of our sins. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are made clean and new; we are washed whiter than snow. Each snowfall can remind us that in Christ, we are forgiven and made pure.

When we see snow fall, we should reflect on our lives. Are there areas that we feel ashamed of? Do we carry guilt about them? Don't hold onto that burden—give it to God! Let Him take it for us! No matter what we have done or how much we have sinned, all we need to do is ask for God's forgiveness, and He will make us as white as snow.

Soon, "the winter of our discontent" will be over, and spring will arrive once again! The barren ground and shrubs will burst forth with flowers, the grass will turn green, and the trees will regain their leaves. The land that once appeared lifeless will come alive again, just as we do when we accept Him and allow His love to transform us. To quote the song, "Once you experience it, you want to sing; it's fresh like spring. You want to pass it on."

Take care

Bill R.