Snow on the Evergreen

Jesus, who lets the fir tree tell
the blessings of Immanuel,
sheds love abroad within my heart,
like snow in the deepest part.

El, Good Father of greatest love,
and kind assurance from above,
sends forth a peace from Heaven’s crown,
like snow falling gently down.

Savior, the path He chose to die,
whose blood was spent to sanctify,
bestows a grace from only Him,
like snow coating every limb.

Unspeakable Gift, Risen King,
who for me, angels and nature sing,
atones my wrongs to make all right,
like snow turning green boughs white.

Spirit, Creator, Holy Friend
from kingdom joys that never end,
secures a seal of righteous clean,
like snow on the evergreen.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13


Snow on the Evergreen 

Our wooded glade is lacking snow right now with a recent warming trend. It’s refreshing to be reminded of the green beneath, the waiting day of spring arrival. But, we like snow in winter. It belongs. Good thing! There is snow in our forecast here in my neck of the woods.

What does the Bible say about snow?

White as Snow: 
Come now, and let us reason together,
saith the LORD:
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 

When the sunshine beams on snow, we can hardly see anything else. I have driven my car in a whiteout. For a few moments, there is blindness. Quite a scary situation if you happen to be traveling around 55mph.

God can make sin white as snow. He can blot out any trace of it! He invites us to come and reason with Him. Who would turn down such an opportunity from Heaven itself? Probably someone who thought she had no sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8

Hard to believe there are people who deceive themselves. They don’t want to hear the word ‘sin’. They might want special treatment with their sin. They don’t want their way to be labeled ‘sin’. They want to be justified. Do we decide for ourselves what is sin? Or, does God define it? Has He made it so there are multiple ways to interpret what He has written? Is there an owning up to sin? For some, there is nothing to own up to.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

‘If’ is a big word. The devil is banking on creation staying in a lie. The devil doesn’t want us to think we need cleansing. He’s not for redemption. He’s not for God’s work.

We know that Abraham believed and God credited it to him as righteousness. Sinners have always been welcomed in churches. Church is a hospital for sinners and not a showcase for people who claim they are not sinners. They chose not to reason with God, who sent provision of purification of sin by sending His Son to die on the cross for our sin. 

White as Snow: What else does the Bible say about snow?

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 
Daniel 7:9-10

What a scene! Yes? No wonder Daniel was grieved in spirit. Do those who say they have no sin really think they can go up against the Ancient of days? Best wishes to them. But, we know better.

White as Snow:  In Matthew 28:3, it says:

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.

and Revelation 1:14:

His head and his hairs were white like wool,
as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire. 
     
These images paint a powerful picture of Jesus. All judgment has been given to Jesus. Earth is His footstool. Justice will be done, one of these days, just as His Word says.

It’s interesting that snow and fire are mentioned. Fire would easily melt snow. But maybe, because Jesus is all-powerful and made these elements anyways, it is no bother to have them together if He so chooses.

Clean, fresh snow covers up the dirty ground. When we receive Christ into our heart, God gives us the power to become His child. Our sins are covered, like the white coating of winter snow on the evergreen tree. He credits our faith to us as righteousness for eternity. His love is shed abroad in our hearts. Peace and grace settle in. 

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9


Own up with the highest authority, to the Creator, who made as-white-as-snow snow. Reason with Him who encourages patience.