Today is Epiphany, a day when we of the Christian faith celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men after their long journey to bring gifts to the Christ Child to honor Him, for they knew the importance of what His coming meant and would provide. But for many of us on a cold January morning, we merely see this day as the end of the color, beauty and fun that Christmas represents and the dread of the stark and cold winter that now sets in for several long months. Some even dread it and just wish it didn't have to be, yet winter, like the other seasons will be with us as long as the earth exists, for it is just one of the factors of earthly life provided by God with a distinct purpose that maintains life on this planet.
Winter does, after all, have a very special purpose in the routine of the world and no one should ever challenge God on why He did and does what he does, for none of us has the capacity to fully understand His wisdom. Winter closes out the four seasons, annuals die and perennials go dormant, awaiting the warmth and light that will come with the spring. It also in many ways offers a cleansing of the earth, eliminating bugs that are too prominent and killing off environmental problems which can't survive the cold, plus the heavy snows result in a life-giving snow pack in the mountains which provides needed water for areas that usually have a long and dry summer as the snow melts. Viewing winter while having the Spirit active in us complements the promise of the eternity to come with the bright and warm light of God following the dark winter and replacing the drab landscape with the color and variety of beautiful springtime plant life.. Even in the sense of just its appearance in nature, it, too, has its beauty, but it is a stark, sometimes more of a black and white appearing picture as snow, gray skies, and longer periods of darkness inherit the season. But I think if we combine the two aspects of it, what it is as we physically see as well as what the Spirit says to us, we are given us the promise of something better that awaits. That matches up very well with our darkest moments in life when, if we believe, we also know that perfection awaits and indescribable beauty will follow for those of us who stay true to our trust in God, including Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For each part of the Holy Trinity, all comprising together the totality of God, jointly give us the aid and resources we need to maintain our quest for the light.
So, the next time we complain about the bitter cold, the snow and sleet and the gray skies of winter, remember that they have a direct relationship to God, the Creator, who created all the seasons and all things, both living and not, on this earth. It plays a place in life and it gives us a great representation of a much bigger purpose which God has for each of us if we only open our eyes and stop, look and listen. And it too shall pass and spring will come again with the warmth, the nourishing rains and the beautiful sunny skies. God be praised!
Winter does, after all, have a very special purpose in the routine of the world and no one should ever challenge God on why He did and does what he does, for none of us has the capacity to fully understand His wisdom. Winter closes out the four seasons, annuals die and perennials go dormant, awaiting the warmth and light that will come with the spring. It also in many ways offers a cleansing of the earth, eliminating bugs that are too prominent and killing off environmental problems which can't survive the cold, plus the heavy snows result in a life-giving snow pack in the mountains which provides needed water for areas that usually have a long and dry summer as the snow melts. Viewing winter while having the Spirit active in us complements the promise of the eternity to come with the bright and warm light of God following the dark winter and replacing the drab landscape with the color and variety of beautiful springtime plant life.. Even in the sense of just its appearance in nature, it, too, has its beauty, but it is a stark, sometimes more of a black and white appearing picture as snow, gray skies, and longer periods of darkness inherit the season. But I think if we combine the two aspects of it, what it is as we physically see as well as what the Spirit says to us, we are given us the promise of something better that awaits. That matches up very well with our darkest moments in life when, if we believe, we also know that perfection awaits and indescribable beauty will follow for those of us who stay true to our trust in God, including Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For each part of the Holy Trinity, all comprising together the totality of God, jointly give us the aid and resources we need to maintain our quest for the light.
So, the next time we complain about the bitter cold, the snow and sleet and the gray skies of winter, remember that they have a direct relationship to God, the Creator, who created all the seasons and all things, both living and not, on this earth. It plays a place in life and it gives us a great representation of a much bigger purpose which God has for each of us if we only open our eyes and stop, look and listen. And it too shall pass and spring will come again with the warmth, the nourishing rains and the beautiful sunny skies. God be praised!
RSS Feed