Snow Days

(Author's Note: I wrote this a year ago, but with the Blizzard of 2016 upon us and classes cancelled today, it seems especially appropriate to re-publish it.  Jim)

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” (Revelation 21:1-4 NIV)

All kids (and college students!) love snow days.  The expectation of going to school with all the burdens of completing assignments and taking tests gone with the announcement, “Schools will be closed.” Burdens are immediately lifted and the anticipation of fun begins! Sledding, skiing, hot chocolate, and movies await!  No one thinks of the work being missed.  The joy is in the moment.  

In a world filled with the burdens of work, the anguish of war and terrorism, the sadness of so much suffering, the grief of losing those we love, and the general hopelessness that exists in the world, I think of Heaven as a life of snow days.  All the burdens and pain of this world gone with the announcement that the world has closed, and only days of unimaginable peace and joy are to follow.  No more death or suffering.  No more heartache or tears.  No more stress or depression. No more hatred or violence.  

Like a kid hoping school will be cancelled, I long for the Lord’s announcement that He has come to close down this world and create a new one.  Having the burdens of life in this world lifted from others and me will be even more welcome than a snow day! 

Now I know you may not find this as exciting as I do.  I understand wanting to cling to the familiar, even if it is far from perfect and often causes us pain—the proverbial “better than the alternative.”  But think about the world as a whole, all the individuals who struggle, suffer, and die in this fallen world.  Would we prefer this world for them just so we can have some comfort of our own?  

The promise of Jesus’ return is the hope of endless snow days, not only for you, but also for all of us who know and love Him, near and far, stranger and friend.  So let's join with our brothers and sisters today and throughout the history of the Church in proclaiming, “Come, Lord Jesus.”   For wouldn’t it be great for all of us to have a perpetual snow day?

© Jim Musser 2016