Advent: Whiter Than Snow - Wednesday, December 4
Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7
The wind howled, and the snow streamed across the road in front of us in a thousand specks of fluffy white. It was getting dark, but our destination was only a few miles ahead. The lights of our van exaggerated the blowing snow that streamed against the windshield. It was treacherous, but it was also beautiful, the way the blowing snow was covering everything in pure white. The next morning the massive white blanket covering everything was stunning.
I was reminded again how, with the coming of Jesus, God covers the world with the grace of his Son, and demonstrates to us that this is what Jesus is all about. He is all about making us whiter than snow, covering us completely with his grace and love. He washes me, and “I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). He came to set us free from darkness and make us pure!
I don’t know your story, but I know mine. I have also heard many others. My wife, Linda, and I counsel and mentor people of all ages who have gone through extensive trauma in their lives, and many live with great regret and guilt over things they have done. This was Jimmy’s story.
Jimmy, a young Cree man, was convinced his sin was too great for God to forgive. So, I shared with him just how massive God's grace really is.
This Christmas season my prayer is that God will, by his grace, remind you again how incredibly powerful this truth is in our lives. And if you can, during this Advent season, find a place to walk in the snow, meditate, and let the truth of God’s love cover you!
Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus into our world to make everything new. Thank you for your creation and how it, too, demonstrates the power of your vast grace and covering of your love. Help me to really see this, Lord, in my heart of hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.