I’m witnessing a miracle.
I watch with fascination as fat flakes fly in a frigid frenzy across my lawn.
It’s snowing in South Louisiana.
Those who live in more northerly climates may not understand our enchantment with snow in the deep south. To northerners, a snowfall may be merely a form of precipitation to contend with in winter.
But to us, it’s magical.
Here, we usually only see snow on Christmas cards and wrapping paper designs.
We see a sketch of a snow-covered red truck with a Christmas tree in its bed, and we think: Home for the holidays!
We see pictures of carolers, clad in Victorian garb, singing as snow swirls around their rosy cheeks. We think: Tidings of comfort and joy!
We’re filled with nostalgia at the thought of a one-horse open sleigh. (Of course, we’re nostalgic for something we never had. Who rides around in a sleigh these days?) Yet we think: Friends! Fun! Because, well, outside the snow is falling and friends are calling yoo-hoo.
And what Christmas movie doesn’t end with the main characters gazing out the window to watch the snow begin to fall.
Snowfall signifies fulfilled wishes and happy endings.
Remember Ralphie in A Christmas Story? He got his Red Ryder BB gun, and all was right with the world.
Wishing for a Christmas Miracle
It’s January 21st, and my Christmas tree is still standing.
I love the blue, gold, and white decorations, the lights, and the memories associated with each ornament.
So, why not leave it standing?
After all, Christmas is a time of miracles, a time when our hearts are filled with hope and expectation. I’m not ready to let go of that hope, especially since some of my deepest longings are yet unfulfilled.
I think of the prayers I’ve prayed, year after year, and Christmas wishes that haven’t yet come true. I wonder if I’ll ever received the things my heart desires.
As the snow falls, I listen for God’s still, small voice.
I hear, “Wait for it. Christmas miracles don’t always come on December 25th.”
Sometimes, when we’ve just about given up hope, when we’ve resigned ourselves to the idea that our wishes will never come true, it happens.
Miracles Happen
Just when we think answered prayers are for other people, when we’re past possibilities…a miracle happens…
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!Psalm 27:13-14 ESV
…It happened for Sarah and Abraham at age 90 and 100.
…It happened when, after a silence of 400 years, God sent a message to a girl in Nazareth.
…And, when all hope vanished as a stone sealed the tomb, the greatest miracle of all took place.
The Psalms and prophets repeatedly remind us to “wait for the Lord.” The Hebrew word used for “wait” is qava. It carries the connotation of watching with expectation, strength, and endurance.
When all seems lost, God’s mercy comes down, covering our sins, purifying our lives, washing us white as snow.
Wait for it.
God’s grace falls like the pure, white driven snow, covering the weeds, the thorns, and the debris of our past failures and disappointments.
Wait for it.
There’s still time to see loved ones coming home for the holidays.
Comfort and joy are still within our grasp.
It’s not too late to experience forgiveness, friendship, and happy endings.
As long as God sits on His throne, it’s never too late.
Wait for it.