1/7/10

Snow-angels, GOOD NEWS and me



For Bibi...

I know, its just snow; but snow has been on my mind lately. Think of it; snow in Florida?? Some of the locals tell me it has actually snowed here, but not for many years. What do you do with snow? Shovel it, blow it, mold it (snow balls, snowmen, etc.) or maybe even do what the picture shows; sculpt angels. The Bible has a lot to say about them and I know entire books have been written, but for today, just consider a couple of passages.

Luke 2:8-14 WEB (R)
(8) There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
(9) Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
(10) The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
(11) For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(12) This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."
(13) Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
(14) "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."

Matthew 28:1-7 WEB (R)
(1) Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
(2) Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
(3) His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
(4) For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
(5) The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
(6) He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
(7) Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."


Angels have done a great many things, but these two passages illustrate what I like best about them; they bring news from God. The news may be good or not-so-good, but in these two instances, it was GREAT NEWS. Earth shaking, eternal news that never grows old, never will grow out of date as long as human being exist; God has come to Earth because he loves his creation and gave of himself to redeem that creation from sin. Boring news, I think NOT; because every single thing that I have ever done wrong has been made right through the blood of Jesus of Nazareth, who is called The Christ of God. Although the angel in the picture is beautiful (and it is BEAUTIFUL), nevertheless, the blessing of forgiveness of sin is far greater. Now, when did you say it was going to begin to snow; I have something to sculpt?