Day 9

Do you want to build a snowman?  Did you just sing that like I did while typing it? I have many memories as a child going outside, all bundled up, and building something in the snow with my brother. He was more of the architect so he usually constructed a first class igloo that could house our whole family. Me on the other hand would get bored sometime before he would finish, wonder off, and starting rolling snow in hopes to end up with the makings of a snowman. Then at some point I would need big brother to come help me lift the big blob of snow to stack together the pieces before I could start decorating my new friend. Just thinking back to those times, I can almost feel the cold, crisp air in my nose, my soggy, frozen gloves, and the crunching snow under by boots. If you have ever been around a lot of snow, you know that there is nothing else like it. I love how it covers everything around you to create a stunning white blanket to cover the earth and sparkles in the sunlight.

Today I want us to read a few verses that depict that same pureness in us. 'As white as snow' are the words used in Isaiah 1:18 to describe our condition through God's forgiveness compared to our sins. Then again in Psalms 51:7 you can see a similar illustration. But how can this apply to you and I? I'm so glad you asked! 1 John 1:9 says "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." This scripture articulates that we can be made 'white as snow' by confessing our sins and recognizing Jesus as our savior. That's it! The weary world rejoices!!! (Did I get you singing again?) Of course, God knows everything about us all, but I believe there is power in recognizing and bringing to light those things that we often keep hidden.

So your task for the day is two fold. First, take some time today to confess your sins to God and thank him for his Son, mercy, and forgiveness. That He would deliver a savior to us, so we could be cleansed and made white as snow. Secondly, build a snowman. While you are creating your snowman, consider how through the life of Jesus, he has made us all "snowmen", if you will. And just like snow, each person is beautifully different, but when God is among us, we can cover the earth and sparkle in His light!

I hope the next time you see a snowman you are reminded of this illustration. Have fun today making your snowman! Don't forget to use the hashtag #CheerfulDecember when you post.

Here is the one I made. I just used some paper I had to cut out the different shapes.

Even Noah painted a snowman picture!

16 days until Christmas!!!!!