I have a “Life is Good” t-shirt that I only wear when it snows, and I’ve been getting good use out of it this January. The snowfall in Newtown, PA, has not been considered highly unusual, but it has been characterized by light, intermittent events for several days this January. Life is good, and I’ve been wearing out my t-shirt.

The word “snow” appears 23 times in the Bible, and in almost every instance, snow has a positive meaning. People’s reaction to snow is not necessarily as positive. Some of us love to watch it from inside the warmth of our homes, some immediately find a reason to go out in the snow, and others despise the necessity of cleaning off their cars and shoveling driveways and sidewalks.

Maybe the Bible’s teaching on snow can give contemporary snow-haters pause to reconsider their attitude. For example:

• Snow is associated with the forgiveness of sins. God makes our sins whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18)
• Snow falls at God’s command (Job 37:6) from heaven (Isaiah 55:10), specifically from heavenly storehouses (Job 38:22)

• Snow and cooler weather is a wonderful relief after a long, hot summer of working in the fields (Proverbs 25:13)
• Snow is not to be feared (provided you are clothed in scarlet (Proverbs 31:21), or in a “Life is Good” t-shirt.

Overall, snow is symbolic of purity and cleansing, illustrating divine forgiveness that washes away our sin. Snow is symbolic of God’s power falling at His command, showing His control over creation. Snow is symbolic of renewal and refreshment, representing a new start or refreshing grace.

If these verses do not convince you to agree that life is good when it snows, take heart that snow only lasts for a season and then quickly vanishes when the temperature rises. The temperatures in Newtown are not expected to rise any time soon, so it looks like I may be wearing out my t-shirt. However, when the snow finally does vanish, I’ll switch my shirt to Life is Good at the Beach!