Last weekend I was speaking
to a young Trinidadian medical student here in Northampton and asked her if it
was the first time that she had seen snow. Her eyes widened and filled with
excitement she began relating how it felt to touch the snow. The same day I
sent a Radio programme to Randy Cornelius at the Harbour
Light of the Windwards in Carriacou and in the email informed him of the snowfall
and sub-zero temperatures here in the UK. He replied with an email saying that
it had been cold in Carriacou, 72 degrees at night and 80 in the daytime,
adding a smiley face. Why did I feel envious?
We had about three inches of
snow and the country became chaotic! Five thousand schools were closed, which
in itself was ludicrous. 1947 was one of the most severe winters in Europe
causing major problems in fuel and food supply. I was twelve years old and I
cannot remember our school being closed for one day, and none of the schools in
the town closed. The stoical spirit of walking to school or to work through the
snow kept things on the move and attendances high. With all the modern progress
and technical aids we seem to be going backwards when it comes to dealing with
snow related problems.
In the USA, the most snow during a winter was
recorded at Rainier Ranger Station, Washington 1971 - 1972 where they recorded
a total of 1122 inches. In the UK the deepest was near BWLCHGWYN, North Wales.
1.65M.
‘Impressive as the depths recorded in North America might seem,
the deepest snow on earth accumulates in the Japanese Alps of Honshu Island
around the 2,000-6,000’ level. The average annual snowfall is estimated to be
in the 1200-1500” range In fact, these amazing snow depths are a singular
tourist attraction since a highway that transects the mountains is kept open
all winter. It is known as the Yuki-no-Otani Snow Canyon.’ (wonderground.com)
The weight of snow on trees sometimes causes branches to
break off and even the tree falling down, however it is not all bad news, a
covering of snow over cultivated fields can insulate seed and crops from
freezing and rotting.
Some mountain ranges are subject to avalanches
when tons of snow cascade down the slopes engulfing buildings and people who
are caught in its destructive path. Other snow-covered mountains are much sort
after by skiers and snow-boarders who take pleasure descending the slopes. Children
love the snow and delight to throw snowballs at unsuspecting folk, or build a
snowman with a carrot for a nose and two pieces of coal for eyes, a hat and a
scarf placed on ‘Snowy the Snowman’ are the finishing touches to their work of
art.
One
obvious thing that I have not mentioned so far is the colour of snow. Its whiteness
is the main characteristic of this phenomena, another is this, there are
not two snowflakes that are the same in design. There are not two blades of
grass the same; there are not two fingerprints the same. These facts illustrate
the wonder and greatness of God’s creation; its variety, beauty, and majesty
are evidence of the wisdom and glory of our great God and Saviour.
In Job 38 God asked Job many
questions, such as those in verses 22 and 23, “Hast thou entered into
the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I
have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” The great storehouses of snow have been used
against Napoleon and Hitler when attacking Russia, thwarting their murderous intents. Biblical theologian Matthew Henry comments,’ In the clouds the snow and hail are
generated, and thence they come in such abundance that one would think there
were treasures of them laid up in store there, whereas indeed they are produced
extempore--suddenly, as I may say, and pro re nata--for the occasion. Sometimes
they come so opportunely, to serve the purposes of Providence, in God's
fighting for his people and against his and their enemies, that one would think
they were laid up as magazines, or stores of arms, ammunition, and provisions,
against the time of trouble, the day of battle and war, when God will either
contend with the world in general (as in the deluge, when the windows of heaven
were opened, and the waters fetched out of these treasures to drown a wicked
world, that waged war with Heaven) or with some particular persons or parties,
as when God out of these treasures fetched great hail-stones wherewith to fight
against the Canaanites, #Jos 10:11. See what folly it is to strive
against God, who is thus prepared for battle and war, and how much it is our
interest to make our peace with him and to keep ourselves in his love. God can fight as effectually with snow and
hail, if he please, as with thunder and lightning or the sword of an angel!’
Most Bible references say, “As white
as snow”, I do like the one in Isaiah 1:18, “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.” Through the precious red
blood of Christ shed on the cross, God can cleanse the dark stains of sin from
anyone’s life, and make them pure as the driven snow. It’s great to be saved!
To know that all the offensiveness and guilt of one’s sin has been removed,
never to spoil the white robe that is given to all believers (Revelation 6:11).
On
the Mount of Transfiguration Christ was seen, Mark 9:2 reads, “And after
six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up
into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on
earth can white them.” His purity seen there is imputed to all who will
be glorified with Him. Will you be whiter than snow in that day? God bless.
Written by Stan Burdit for Stephen Baker
