The gift of snow

     

     Dreaming of a white Christmas certainly came true this year for us, here in my home-town, Kelowna. 

     Just now, gazing out my kitchen window to the snow-laden shrubs and trees surrounding my patio, I am amazed at the majestic beauty right here before my eyes. 

     Approaching Christmas each year, I often have mixed emotions about the weather. To be with me, some of my family need to travel over miles of mountainous terrain. So usually I feel we could just do without the white stuff. 

     

     This year, after family had safely arrived, we were blessed with this lovely gift of white. 

     Storms often become an unwanted problem especially for travellers. I heard on the news of air flights being cancelled, which is so disappointing for those trying to reach home in time for Christmas. 

     We know snow has varied purposes. The snow-capped mountains help to irrigate the valleys below. It also reassures us that our drinking water levels we depend upon, won't be lacking in the summer months. 

     Admiring these pristine snow piles reminds me of the "gift of forgiveness" I receive from my Heavenly Father when I ask Him. 

     King David prayed, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow."  

— Psalm 51:1 

     Wow! I am thankful for the gift of snow and for forgiveness. 

     Speaking of gifts, my family once again spoiled me with their gifts of love. Our giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, reminds us of the Magi who came to the baby Jesus, each bringing their worthy gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

     I learned that frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus. 

     Gold was associated with kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. 

     Myrrh was a sweet-smelling perfume that was put on dead bodies. As a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die. 

     

     I appreciate each gift I receive. The time, effort, thought, and perhaps sacrifice that goes into each gift — to me, spells "LOVE."

     Sharing tangible gifts with each other, certainly does remind us of Jesus, the best gift of all! 

     Today, some of my family made their return trip home over those snowy mountains. I already miss them, but am grateful they made it safely home during this  awesome, but beautiful, Season of White.   

     I like to think, that when Jesus forgives me, my heart is as clean as new fallen snow.


— beulah