Recently we in the northeast have been blasted by blizzardly events that deposited more than three feet of snow in some places. I live in the snowbelt of Geauga County in Ohio, and since our convent is the highest point, we’re known as the buckle of that belt. We are accustomed to snow, snowflakes, and icicles.
What a marvelous creation snow is! Certainly our God is a genius. As snowflakes fall from the heavens, they can look like gentle feathers drifting down, making us feel like we’re inside a snow globe. Staring out a window from inside a warm home is peaceful and enjoyable. On the other hand, driving through a snowstorm that blocks your view and clogs your wheels is another story. So are cleaning off your car and shoveling the sidewalk and driveway. I pray for those valiant people who snowplow our streets in bitter cold and at times early in the morning.
The Creation of Snow and Snowflakes
When you think of it, God could have made snow purple or brown. Instead, it is a pure, sparkling white so that we use it as a simile: Santa’s beard was “white as snow.” Even the Lord says in Scripture “Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
When snow coats trees and bushes, it increases their beauty. Snow-blanketed landscapes are silent and conducive to contemplation. The snow on sky-piercing mountaintops adds to their beauty.
Sisters who visit us from warm countries like Vietnam and Kenya are fascinated by their first encounter with snow. We introduce them to making snow angels. Because Jesus was from Israel, where snowfall is rare, he probably didn’t experience snow. That is sad.
The Intricacy of Snowflakes
A snowflake is an ice crystal made of water droplets that freeze on a particle. There are at least 80 variations, but each is so different that it’s said no two snowflakes are alike. They are six-sided and symmetrical. There are different classifications of snowflakes. Some snowflakes collide and combine.
Some people are so fascinated by the beauty of a snowflake that they have a hobby of photographing them.
Playing with Snow and Snowflakes
God provided his children with a multi-use plaything when he invented snow. On snow we ski down slopes or go cross-country skiing. We go sledding and tobogganing. Children build snowmen, snow families, and forts, engage in snowball fights, and play King of the Mountain on drifts. They find it fun to catch snowflakes on their tongues.
My grandmother made ice cream out of snow. Here is one recipe.
We sing of a Winter Wonderland and about Frosty the Snowman. We dream of having a White Christmas.
There are cartoons and comics about snowmen on one of my previous blogs.
Praying about Snow
Students (and maybe some adults) pray that snow will give them a free day. However, there are other prayers centered on snow:
Daniel 3:68:
Bless the Lord, dews and falling snow;
sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
69 Bless the Lord, ice and cold;
sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
70 Bless the Lord, frosts and snows;
sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
Psalm 148:7
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
My Prayer
St. Francis of Assisi calls on all created things to praise God in his “Canticle of Creation.” I would add a verse:
Praise be to you, O Lord, for Sister Snow,
Who enchants us as it falls from the sky
and blankets our earth with glistening beauty.
Other prayers are on the Internet.
Our Lady of the Snow
A miracle is connected with the origin of St. Mary Major basilica in Rome. You can find out how Mary received the title Our Lady of the Snow here: https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/our-lady-of-the-snows.html
Icicles
Melting snow creates icicles. These can cause injury when they fall, and they can damage buildings. But they are lovely to look at.
Then too, there is the condensation on windows that forms delicate patterns.
When I was a child, this song sung by Rosemary Clooney was popular. When I played it at a Christmas singalong, few people were familiar with it. Here it is:
- What is your favorite part of winter?
- What memory do you have of playing in the snow?
4 Responses
what a sweet song I never heard it. It brought a smile to my face. I recently lost my little brother he died suddenly and this made me think of him sledding down a hill in Euclid.
My sympathy on the death of your little brother. You must have good memories of him to cherish. We sang this song when we were children. Some people I live with now said they weren’t familiar with it.
I remember playing with my Sister trying to make a igloo. It was fun until my Mother called us to come in. I miss my Mother during Christmas time. She passed on Feb 12 2001. It has been a long time, but I always think of her. She was a good Mother. Also, my birthday falls on Dec 20th. She told me she brought me home on Christmas day. That was 65 years ago. I like to mention my Dad who passed 20/20. He was a Sicilian immigrant. He was in the Italian Navy. Hard working man. Good man.
Sounds like you came from a blessed family, Linda. I don’t think we ever stop missing our mothers. May you have a happy birthday!