The First Snow

Those of us living in West Michigan woke up to a dusting of fresh snow on Sunday morning. It is a promise - or a harbinger, depending on how you feel about winter - of what is to come. Before long, we will be shoveling snow, brushing it off our cars, and building snowmen. Every season announces its intentions before it actually arrives. The crocuses push through the snow to announce spring. A 70-degree day in April predicts summer. The first leaf that changes color puts us on notice that fall is coming. 

Jesus encouraged us to see the signs of a new era that he is bringing. If we pay attention, we can see God’s kingdom announcing its intentions to come and make us new. Wherever there is beauty, the kingdom of God is announced. When a person sincerely apologizes and is forgiven, it is like the first snow announcing the coming of winter. The kingdom of God is on its way.  Where there is growth, transformation, creativity, and reconciliation, the world is being put on notice. God is bringing a kingdom that will make everything new. Keep your eyes and your heart open. The signs are all around us.