From Pastor Johnsen

February 2009
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. - Mark 9:3 (KJV)

Interestingly enough, as we continue in the season of Epiphany, we are surrounded by the whiteness of snow. The last Sunday after the Epiphany, The Transfiguration, is February 22nd, in which we hear the verse quoted above. The season of Epiphany is one of light.- beginning with the brightness of the star of Bethlehem, and ending with the brightness of the Transfiguration. The shining light reflected from Jesus’ garments was so bright and white...”exceeding white as snow.” Whiter than snow. Our whole Epiphany season so far has been white with snow. The snow has surrounded us, and even if we may hope that there is not falling snow and snow cover completely until February 22nd, we can hope that the whiteness and brightness of the love of Jesus encompasses us through this season and always.

Recently, a Pastor misquoted Jesus to me; he said, when I was complaining about the almost daily snow in January, “Jesus said ‘The snow you will always have with you’”. This is, of course, not true, but for many of us it seems as if the snow will not go away. The snow has interfered with our worship, Sunday school and weekly schedule since before Christmas. It certainly is disappointing when we have to cancel or postpone events. The snow has added to the winter blues for so many. Not a few are in the “winter of our discontent.”

Would our attitude be different if we focused on the biblical witness concerning brightness and purity of the snow? Perhaps we could think of the Epiphany brightness intensifying toward the Transfiguration. Each time we see a snowflake, or walk on the snow, or even shovel – think of the Glory of God shining on you. Every time you have to squint because of the reflection of the sun on the snow, pray that you may be struck, with the shining grace of Jesus. It may seem like a naive thing to do, but it may help us focus on Jesus and not on the nuisance of the snow. As you consider the snow all around, consider also the words of David from Psalm 51: 7 - Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Yes, the pure and total forgiveness of God cleanses us so that we too may be as pure as the whiteness of snow; in Jesus we are made clean, new and shining with grace. May your February of your soul be whiter than snow, and brighter than the garments of Jesus at the Transfiguration.

Pastor Johnsen