Looking beneath the surface

He doesn’t deal with us according to our sin or repay us according to our wrongdoing, because as high as heaven is above the earth, that’s how large God’s faithful love is for those who honor him. Psalm 103:10-11

Last week we had a snow–a BIG snow!

That lovely blue sky stretches high above and seems to reach toward heaven. I’m  reminded of the enormity of God’s love for us.

Beneath the dome of that azure sky, a blanket of snow lies undisturbed by person or beast. Our horses haven’t yet tromped across to disturb the tranquility of the scene. 

Snow covers scars, imperfections, and the bleakness of a brown winter landscape. Its pristine whiteness is a glimmer of hope toward a promise of purity. 

But…what is beneath the surface?

Snow doesn’t last forever, particularly in the warm southern climate.

The brown appears…

At first the brown just peeks out, a small glimpse of the dark, mushy earth below.

Then the brown spreads. Mud turns the pristine whiteness into a sloppy mess.

Sort of like us, isn’t it?

A week ago, our church sponsored a Dinner Theater. We host a large group of people and feed them at no charge. Our mission is to share the story of our Savior’s birth in a loving celebration. The play is unique and always highlights the Christmas story within a parallel plot. Following the meal, one of our audience wanted to take food home. I tried, as politely as possible, to explain that our cast and choir had not yet eaten so we were not providing to-go plates (remember we weren’t charging for the meal). When I changed clothes following the performance, the woman got a plate of food to carry out. I saw her exiting the kitchen with the food as I entered to begin clean-up duties.

Of course, I cannot speak for you, but sometimes when I’m trying to hide beneath an exterior of “cleanness” (my perceived purity when I’m feeling somewhat confident about managing to avoid sin), dirt seeps out of that imaginary snowbank. Beneath the surface, the mud of sin threatens to erupt.

I was angry that this woman had ignored my explanation and sought out someone else that didn’t know that thirty people still need to eat following the performance.

Thankfully, I did not confront her in my anger at that moment, but I nourished my frustration all week, rehearsing what I planned to say when I saw her again.

I sinned.

Of course this is not an unusual occurrence for any of us, if we are willing to admit it. The Apostle Paul writes:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

And there’s only One who can wash away that sin–that can make us as pure as snow. Paul continues:

…and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24

I am thankful that I did not speak in anger to this person when the incident occurred. I’m also thankful that I avoided any discussion of the situation when I saw her again this week-end.

I confess to you that I’m still irritated! But, I’m grateful that God led me to take the higher road–to seek peace rather than confrontation.

Let my whole being bless the Lord and never forget all his good deeds; how God forgives all your sins, heals all your sickness, saves your life from the pit, crowns you with faithful love and compassion. Psalm 103:2-4

But, let’s go back to snow for a moment–I’m more like the mud that creeps into the snow as it melts, making it ugly. On my own, I’m that unsightly brown patch that mars the pristine whiteness of snow. But, through God’s love and the gift of grace, I am redeemed.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Christmas Day is approaching. We celebrate the birth of Jesus–God’s greatest gift to us.

A Gift of love…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

That tiny baby, born so many years ago, is our Savior. He willingly took the burden of our sins upon himself so that we might live. He gave His blood for us–to wash us as white as snow–so that one day we might be cleansed and purified, that we may be in His presence.

Thanks be to God.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, my friends.