Winter is finally here! It seemed like it would never come and Fall took up permanent residence. But Saturday evening, it snowed. Snow is the physical marking for me that winter finally arrived. We frantically raked up the plethora of leaves that blanketed our property knowing that snow was on its way that night.

As the last leaf was dropped into the bag, it began to snow. Perfect timing. Our daughter went running outside and tried to catch snowflakes on her tongue. She brought our puppy out to see her first snowfall — however, I do not think the dog was impressed.

The next morning, the idea of winter settled in nicely. I opened the blinds, and the scene before me brought a smile to my face — SNOW! Snow on the trees. Snow on the ground. Snow on the roads. SNOW!

I’m not sure what it is about the morning after an evening snowfall, but it feels so calming to me. It makes me want to snuggle in a blanket, start a fire, drink hot apple cider, and read a good book. Fresh snow means people slow down — I like that! Fresh snow means people stay in more rather than continue with their busy lives — I welcome that!

So this morning, I sit listening to my mellow Christmas music, watch my candles flicker, look out my window at the quilted covering over the ground and read a section of my bible. It’s a peaceful morning. In the midst of such hustle and bustle of the season, a morning like this is refreshing.

As I pondered the passage in the Bible I read, I thought about situations in my life where God feels silent and asked myself if I believe God could come through. It wasn’t a matter of if He could, but would He in the timing I prefer?

Isn’t that so often how we think? We focus on the when. The people of Israel waited hundreds of years for the promised Messiah. I’m sure there were many times they questioned whether it would ever come and many undoubtedly settled into the idea that God’s silence was taking up permanent residence.

But God never reneges on His promises. His timing was perfect. He sent the promised Messiah at just the right time. The excitement that stirred among everyone at that time had to be exhilarating. I’m sure some exited their homes to witness the star in the sky shining so brightly — the long awaited Savior was born! What a peace must have filled their hearts the next morning, knowing that Jesus was finally born.

The difference with my morning-after-snowfall feeling and Jesus’s birth, is that my snow melts at some point. God’s peace is everlasting!