Dear Mrs. Nickles,
Several weeks ago as most of us were homebound because of the snow; you reminded me that snow was in fact a gift from God. As I reflected on your words and perused through my Bible I came to appreciate your insight. Following are some of my findings.
Yes, snow is in fact a gift from God.
“God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth;’ Likewise to the gentle rain…” Job 37:5-6
“He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat…He gives snow like wool…” Psalm 147:16
God Himself considers the snow as one of His sovereign treasures as He rebuked Job for questioning Him.
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? …Have you entered the treasury of snow…?” Job 38:4, 22
Snow is also illustrative of purity and cleansing because of its color, or lack of it. The Hebrew base for snow is shalag which means white.
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Isaiah 1:18
The Bible recognizes that snow should be anticipated and precautions taken to prevent possible associated consequences such as its accompanying cold temperatures.
“Who can find a virtuous wife: For her worth is far above rubies…She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.” Proverbs 31:10, 21
As the snow melts, another benefit is realized, i.e. refreshing streams of water.
“Will a man leave the snow water of Lebanon…will the cold flowing waters be forsaken for strange waters?” Jeremiah 18:14
And let it not be forgotten that snow is used to describe the attire of the Ancient of Days and the angel present at Christ’s tomb on the first day of the week.
“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow…” Daniel 7:9
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.” Matthew 28:2-3
And lastly, God’s gift of snow will always fulfill the purpose for which it is intended. God in fact equates His gift of snow with His immutable word.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
So thank you Mrs. Nickles for sharing your wisdom and insight with me. Now let me share with you excerpts from a poem that I prepared for my children several years ago that apply to the winter season of life, and snow.
The winter solstice paints with care
long shadows on the snow.
The sun adorns the southern sky
then exits with a glow.
Beneath the sparkle of the snow
lie silently at rest
The fading shades of autumn leaves
and seeds of summer’s best.
And so it is, the seasons end.
What promise does it bring?
Those seeds that rest with fallen leaves
will burst to life in spring.