Pastor’s Pen for December 2024

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping
And I’ve bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Winter has come!  Just like there are beach people vs. mountain people, pop people vs. soda people, dog people and cat people, and the occasional weird hamster people; there are winter people and summer people.  Sorry summer people, just as they say in Games of Thrones, WINTER IS COMING, and now it is here!  Winter brings cold, chapped skin, gloves, winter coats, and SNOW!

       So, we know that snow is coming throughout the season, and for most of us, we have experienced the joy or misery of snow.  But imagine what it would be like to have never experienced snow in all its glory.  When I lived in Kenya, East Africa, ON THE EQUATOR, most folks could see white on top of Mt. Kenya or Mt. Kilimanjaro, the two highest mountains in Africa, but never felt compelled to climb high enough to see what snow as like.

       Now let’s turn to Israel.  You would think that most inhabitants of Israel though the millennium rarely experienced snow.  Jerusalem is on the same latitude as Austin, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona (latitudes for all three: Israel – 33o n, Phoenix – 35o n, Austin – 31o n).  I have stayed some time in all three places, and I NEVER saw snow in any of them.  However, because of the mountainous-ness of the country, inhabitants of Jerusalem (Mt. Moriah) and other parts of the country, snow is common through January and February.  Therefore, it makes sense that there is an abundance of references about snow in Scripture (officially 24 verses).  

In Scripture, snow often symbolizes purity and renewal, reminding us of God’s power and grace. From Psalms to Isaiah, there are verses that mention snow, teaching us lessons about forgiveness, transformation, and the beauty of creation.  So, let’s explore the connection between Bible verses and snow, discovering the deeper meanings behind each. There are some repeats in the different categories.  Here are the verses and thoughts on each:

JUST ONE REMINDER – The whiteness of snow is both the epitome of purity!

  1. Psalm 147:16-17 “He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast?”

These verses from Psalms illustrate God’s sovereignty over nature, presenting His actions with poetic imagery. Snow, frost, and hail are compared to wool and ashes, highlighting their softness and abundance. It emphasizes that even the most natural and uncontrollable forces are subject to His will, showing His mighty power and authority in the universe.

This verse from Job acknowledges God’s direct control over the weather, commanding snow and rain to fulfill their purpose on the earth. It showcases the concept that every element in creation obeys God’s commands, reinforcing His supreme authority over the natural world and the unfolding of seasons as an expression of His divine order.

In Isaiah, snow is a symbol of nourishment and life-giving provision. Just as snow and rain hydrate the earth, God’s word is depicted as fulfilling its purpose. This verse highlights the cycle of life, growth, and sustenance, illustrating God’s faithful provision for His creation, both physically and spiritually, ensuring that nothing He sends is without purpose.

These verses emphasize the wisdom and diligence of a woman who prepares her household for the cold, ensuring everyone is clothed in warmth and quality. Snow here represents the trials or hardships of life, and the woman’s readiness reflects her careful stewardship, foresight, and nurturing character in safeguarding her family’s well-being.

In God’s dialogue with Job, this question emphasizes God’s incomprehensible power and knowledge. It suggests that the snow and hail are stored and controlled by God, beyond human understanding. This verse reminds us of the limitations of human comprehension compared to God’s all-encompassing wisdom, portraying Him as the ultimate authority over the mysteries of nature.

This verse in Psalm 51 is a heartfelt plea for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Snow here symbolizes purity and the complete washing away of sin. It conveys a deep desire for forgiveness and transformation, underscoring the idea that God’s forgiveness can make one’s soul as pure and spotless as freshly fallen snow.

In Psalm 148, elements of nature are called to praise God, illustrating their obedience to His will. Snow, along with other weather phenomena, are portrayed as instruments fulfilling His commands. This verse highlights the grandeur and majesty of God’s creation and its role in bringing glory to the Creator through its very existence and actions.

This verse from Revelation presents a powerful vision of Christ in His glorified state. The whiteness of His hair is compared to snow, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and eternal authority. This vivid description underscores the divine nature of Christ and His penetrating gaze, suggesting His omniscience and righteousness in judgment.

This verse in Lamentations describes the purity and devotion of the Nazirites before their downfall. The comparison to snow emphasizes their previous spiritual and moral excellence. It contrasts with their later suffering and decline, highlighting the tragedy of a fall from grace and the preciousness of a life lived in holiness and dedication to God.

In Daniel’s vision, the Ancient of Days is depicted with clothing as white as snow, symbolizing purity, holiness, and eternal wisdom. The fiery throne represents judgment and divine authority. This majestic image emphasizes God’s sovereignty, power, and the perfect righteousness from which He rules and executes justice over all creation.

God’s Control Over Snow

This verse underscores God’s command over all the forces of nature. Snow, along with other natural elements, are shown as agents that fulfill His will. This conveys the idea that even the most unpredictable and powerful forces are under God’s sovereign control, highlighting His unmatched authority and the intricate order within His creation.

Job 37:6 presents a clear image of God’s direct command over weather patterns. Snow falling and rain pouring demonstrate His authority in orchestrating the cycles of nature. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s power to bring forth blessings or challenges through the elements, and His ultimate control over the rhythms of life.

This rhetorical question in Job points to the depth of God’s control and knowledge over natural phenomena. The concept of ‘storehouses’ suggests a divine preparation and regulation, indicating that snow and hail serve a purpose within His grand design. It emphasizes God’s boundless wisdom and human limitations in understanding the complexities of His creation.

In Psalm 147, the imagery of snow and frost emphasizes the gentle and yet powerful nature of God’s works. Snow is compared to wool, indicating its softness, while hail is depicted as pebbles, suggesting its force. The rhetorical question highlights the awe-inspiring and uncontrollable power of God, inspiring reverence and acknowledgment of His might.

This verse beautifully illustrates the purpose and effectiveness of snow and rain, serving as a metaphor for God’s word. Just as snow nourishes the earth, leading to growth and sustenance, God’s words are fruitful and bring about transformation. It conveys the idea that everything in God’s creation has a purpose, including the snow that provides renewal.

Symbolism Of Snow In Cleansing

In this verse, snow symbolizes spiritual purity and renewal. David’s plea for cleansing indicates a desire for a complete transformation, where sins are washed away, leaving the soul as clean as freshly fallen snow. This imagery speaks to God’s power to renew and purify the human heart, making it a vivid representation of forgiveness and grace.

Here, snow symbolizes the pristine purity and righteousness of the Nazirites before their decline. The verse paints a picture of their former glory and integrity, comparing their appearance and purity to snow and precious stones. It highlights a lament for lost innocence and the tragic consequences of turning away from a life of spiritual devotion.

The description of the Ancient of Days with clothing as white as snow signifies divine purity and wisdom. In this vision, snow is associated with holiness and eternal authority, emphasizing the righteous and unblemished nature of God. The image of a blazing throne further underscores His sovereign power and the majesty of His reign.

This verse offers a message of hope and redemption, using snow as a symbol of cleansing and transformation. God promises that even the deepest sins can be made pure and spotless through His forgiveness. The contrast between scarlet and snow emphasizes the extent of God’s mercy, inviting people to receive His grace and be renewed.

Revelation uses the imagery of snow to convey the purity and wisdom of Christ in His glorified form. The comparison of His hair to snow and wool signifies His eternal nature and the holiness of His being. This description is meant to inspire awe and reverence, highlighting both the purity and the all-seeing power of His divine authority.

Snow in Descriptions of God’s Majesty

This verse from Revelation emphasizes God’s majesty by portraying Christ with white hair, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and divine authority. Snow, in its brilliance and whiteness, reflects an image of complete purity, aligning with the depiction of the glorified Christ. The use of this imagery underlines the holiness and sovereign nature of God in all His glory.

The Psalmist’s description of snow and frost not only captures the visual beauty of God’s work but also conveys His powerful control over nature. The rhetorical question in this verse emphasizes the impossibility of resisting God’s mighty hand, reflecting His majesty and strength over all creation, including the delicate yet overwhelming phenomena like snow.

This verse in Job portrays God’s command over the forces of nature, including snow and rain. It signifies His authority to orchestrate every detail in creation, presenting Him as a majestic and all-powerful God. Snow, in this context, becomes a symbol of His precise control, awe-inspiring strength, and the order He establishes in nature.

Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days conveys an image of God’s majesty and authority. Snow, used to describe His clothing, emphasizes purity and eternal wisdom. The vision, with its vivid imagery, underscores the sovereignty of God, portraying Him as the ultimate judge and ruler over all, with snow serving as a visual representation of His righteous nature.

Psalm 148 calls on all elements of nature to praise God, highlighting His supreme command over creation. Snow, alongside other forces like lightning and hail, obeys His will, demonstrating the harmony of creation under His majesty. This verse reinforces the theme of God’s all-encompassing authority and the beauty of nature serving its Creator’s purpose.

Snow as a Sign of Provision and Blessing

This verse from Isaiah connects snow to God’s provision and blessings, showing how it nourishes the earth and enables growth. The cycle of snow and rain illustrates God’s care for His creation, ensuring that life is sustained. This serves as a metaphor for God’s word and His faithful provision, emphasizing the abundance and purpose He brings into the world.

In Proverbs, the wise woman is prepared for snow, symbolizing harsh conditions or trials. Her diligence and care ensure that her family is well-protected and provided for. Snow here highlights both the challenges that can arise and the foresight needed to face them, reflecting the blessings of preparation, wisdom, and stewardship within the household.

Snow is portrayed as a provision from God, much like wool, offering a layer of comfort and protection. This imagery emphasizes God’s intentional care for His creation, as even the snowfall has a purpose in sustaining and protecting life. The verse reflects on the nurturing aspects of God’s creation, which, despite its might, also provides blessings.

Job 37:6 shows how God uses snow and rain to nourish and replenish the earth. Snow is a sign of His provision, ensuring that the earth is well-prepared for growth and harvest. This verse highlights the consistency of God’s care, where every season and weather pattern is part of His design to bless and sustain His creation.

In this passage from Isaiah, snow represents the promise of forgiveness and a fresh start. God’s invitation to be made clean like snow signifies a blessing that extends beyond physical provision, offering spiritual renewal and transformation. This promise of forgiveness demonstrates God’s willingness to provide not only for physical needs but also for the restoration of the soul.

Final Thought

After looking at this Scripture verses on snow, it’s cool to see how nature connects with spiritual teachings. Snow reminds us of purity and God’s power.Just like how snow covers the ground, God covers us with love and forgiveness. It’s like a cozy blanket of grace. Learning from these verses, can inspire you to appreciate the beauty around me and to see God’s handiwork in every season.  Therefore, throughout this winter, whenever we have snow, pull this out and reflect on one or several of these verses of how snow helps us to understand and recognize the presence of God in the beautiful and unique flakes of snow that fall.  Peace and Blessings, Pastor Bob

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