Snow White

Returning from Stratford last night, after a wonderful production of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, we enjoyed driving through the falling snow, with the added challenge of making it home safely. This morning, we see the snow white road, roof tops and pavements in Rye Close.

Having done plenty of decorating at home, we realise there are many shades of white paint - not only the basic Brilliant White - but Snow White doesn't seem to be listed. But there seems to be a purity in freshly fallen snow which shows up every other sort of white as rather mucky.

Not only are there plenty of shades of white. There are also plenty of reds, from brilliant flame to warm-sun burnt ochre. All of us can tell the difference between a red and a white, even though we may have particular favourites within those colours.

The prophet Isaiah used these colours to make a startling point, about the way that only God can change the human heart. '“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.' (Isaiah 1.18)

It often takes a prophet or a wise friend to help us see our own scarlet or crimson life traits. It may show in our lack of love and generosity, or our willingness to pick holes in the lives of those closest to us. Such habits destroy trust and rot community.

Mercifully, the God who sent Jesus to us has the answer. Jesus shed his blood to make us snow white again. His willing self-sacrifice covers over our own self-obsessions. Red becomes white, at the cost of his life.

I have also been listening to a U2 song, White as Snow. Startling!

Looking at the snow, I want to thank Jesus for loving me that much.

Best wishes,

Richard