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, the Father of greatest love,

sends forth assurance from above

in perfect peace from Heaven’s crown,

like snow falling gently down.

Savior, the path He took to die,

whose blood was spent to sanctify,

allows a grace from only Him,

like snow coating every limb.

Unspeakable Gift, Risen King;

To me, a truth comes bright to sing

of life atoned by wrongs made right,

like snow turning green boughs white.

Spirit, Creator, Holy Friend

of kingdom joys that never end,

bestows 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

He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

Psalm 147:16-17

and

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire.

Revelation 1:14

Who can stand before His cold?

Is this not a question to cause the created to acknowledge the sovereign power of the Creator?

And, He loves us.

The Creator created snow. Snow, except for the grumbling person who wishes to be somewhere warm without a snow shovel, is a wonderful substance that graces the woodland. Through a microscope, we see the beauty of snowflakes and that no two alike. Creation tells us that the Creator loves detail. I think He likes the big picture, too.

There is something miraculous about becoming a son, or child, of God. God gives a power to people of faith who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of faith, an identity transformation occurs by an amazing force from Heaven. A power from God does the work of reconciliation as He recognizes belief in hearts. He who created the heart reads the heart.

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

While it’s true that all people are made in God’s image, it’s not true that all people are children of God. The title ‘Child of God’ is reserved for those born of God.  If everyone were physically born a child of God, there would be no need for God to send His Son to die for our sins. The devil wants everyone to think all people are born children of God. He wants what God has created to think there is no need for a Redeemer.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

The devil is a liar, the father of all lies. He’s in the business of blinding people and wants people to be lost, speaking lies and prompting people to lie. But, look at what happens to those who lie:

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Proverbs 19:9

and

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

Psalm 101:7

God doesn’t tolerate liars in His presence. Are you a liar? Have you sinned? Well, we all have sinned. It would appear, then, that we’re doomed and can never be in God’s presence. But the remedy is this from the sovereign Creator of snow: the shed blood of Jesus Christ purifies sin and as white as snow!

Let the devil take his lies to Hell.

The truth is God sent His Son, the Redeemer, into the world to save those who would believe. (And with babies, I think we can trust God’s judgment.) Those who do not believe stand condemned already because they choose not to believe in Jesus Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Sealed.

Signed, sealed and delivered.

The Holy Spirit is deposited within us as a guarantee. By the Holy Spirit, we become what we never were—children of God.

Remember to rely on prayer. Try having a prayer friend if you can’t seem to be too disciplined and hold each other accountable. See if there is extra blessing in hiring a personal trainer in prayer. Go to church where there is strength in numbers. Prayer is business with God so be business-like.

But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Psalm 66:19

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

1 Peter 3:11

May you enjoy the graceful touches of snow on the evergreen.

May snow remind you of the cancellation of sin, sealed identity and peace.