November 27, 2024

Today's Reading: Isaiah 1:1-28

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 1:1-28; 1 Peter 1:1-12

…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

 I live in Minnesota. The parish in which I serve is less than three hours from Canada. We know a few things about snow. At the time that this is published, there is a good chance there will be some covering the ground. Fall is one of my favorite times of year in the Northland. The humidity and heat of August give way to the mild temperatures of fall. Sweaters, flannels, and mittens become a fashion staple. As the season changes from summer to Autumn, things begin to die. The leaves change color, and what was once green turns to vibrant red, yellows, and oranges, which bring about the greatest of sights. But those brilliant colors only remain for a few weeks before death takes over, and what’s left is bare trees and brown leaves scattered upon the ground. Another season and the effects of sin win again as creation groans. 

 Yet, something happens around November and December; all that dirt, brown, dead foliage that is unpleasant to look at gets covered. Over time, what was once a dreadful sight slowly becomes white—radiant white covering every inch of the ground and even the limbs of the dead trees. There is something peaceful about it. The way the snow muffles the sounds of nature so it is tranquil and calm. Heavenly peace, is the way “Silent Night” describes it. It makes sense, really, because that is what Christ does for us. He covers us up all the muck, the grime, and the dirt. Apart from Christ, we really are a dreadful sight. Yet, in holy Baptism, we put on Christ, and He covers us in His righteousness. It is no coincidence that baptismal candidates are traditionally clothed in a white garment. This isn’t simply a symbol; it is representative of what is actually happening. Although you are a dreadful sight, Christ makes you white as snow. He purifies you from all sin. 

 But Jesus doesn’t stop there. Just as the winter snow persists, eventually, it melts away, and what follows is something beautiful. From that purifying snow, the earth gives way to spring, and spring brings with it new life. Plants that were once dead rise again from the ground. From death comes life; not only the earth, but we celebrate the feast of the Resurrection, which points us to our own Resurrection. For our sins were once like scarlet, or brown, in this case, but Christ has made them white as snow. With that, we have heavenly peace. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.