As the snow and ice clatter against the window, I find it interesting to read the Psalm assigned for the first Sunday in January:
“Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem;
Praise your God, O Zion,
God gives snow like wool, scattering frost like ashes,
God scatters hail like bread crumbs.
Who can stand against God’s cold?
The Lord sends forth the word and melts them;
The wind blows, and the water flow” Psalm 147:12, 16-18
First of all it seems that the weather has been a topic of conversation at worship for much longer than our generation. But rather than getting all caught up in the latest forecast, and dreading the onset of the latest storm, the psalmist takes a longer view of God’s hand within both the cold of snow and the warmth of spring. God’s power and presence are to been seen in the winter’s snows, the spring rains, the richness of summer meadows, and the bounty of the harvest in autumn. Throughout all seasons, we are called to a life of worship and praise.
We’ve just been allowed the privilege of celebrating another Christmas season. It has been wonderful to hear the music of the season by which we are so richly blessed in this congregation. It is always a joy to see the smiles on our children’s faces as they share in the Christmas program. It’s great to see families gather for worship and for home celebrations. Thanks again to all who have made this season so very special.
Now we look to a new year, and even though the Christmas lights will soon be going dim, Jesus, the light of the world, shines brightly in every dark corner of this world and your life. Come worship the Lord, and Praise your God, in every season.
God’s Peace,
Pastor John Twiton
