Ah, fresh snow. That’s what I’m enjoying seeing outside my window as flakes large and small fall, making piles on the ground, covering plants that have long died to summer’s heat and beauty. My mind wanders to all the activities that a good snowfall offers, having read on social media last evening that a friend tried snowboarding for the first time which is quite a feat considering she’s now 40. I actually did the same thing at that age, only it was the smaller hill by Torch 180 and admittedly, although it was great fun, I went down quickly on my behind. I haven’t attempted snowboarding since.

When was the last time you made a snow angel? This simple act of artwork in freshly fallen snow is a favorite among children and well, I have a dear friend very close to my ripe age of 72, who keeps the beauty of snow angels alive. We refer to it each winter as “our own personal challenge”. There’s no pressure to get outside to participate, however, we are required to give “proof of life” by snapping a picture and texting it to one another on our phones. How fun is that! 

Lisa and I are both pursuing living the older portion of our lives without losing our inner child joy. Even though getting down on snow covered ground to make our angel is more difficult than our fond childhood years, we do it. We giggle. We feel each other’s pain when it’s time to get up, trying to do so with as much grace as achy and tight joints allow. As much clumsiness is involved, the end result of feeling joy and laughter on an otherwise ordinary wintry day is worth all the struggles within our effort.

Joy and delight. I read those words in my devotion this Wednesday morning after hearing from Lisa. “Hey, have you made your snow angel yet?”  They’re found in Luke Chapter 1 when an “angel of the Lord” visited Zechariah during his priestly duties to announce that he and wife Elizabeth–in their old age!–would welcome a son, commanding him to name the babe John…”he will be a joy and a delight to you”. What a beautiful description and promise! Wouldn’t all of us as parents love to have a personal word spoken over our babies yet to be born? Actually, we do have a way to speak loving and powerful words over our children!

Proverbs 18: 21 is perfect guidance for us…”the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”.

I’ve been around some awesome parents who truly encourage and love their children, choosing their words very carefully. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed firsthand those who are very harsh with their children, screaming and using obscene language when making minor corrections to behavior. The latter breaks my heart every time. Expanding on the author’s words found in the proverb, later James wrote to us in scripture: “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right”. (New Living Translation)

Snow angels are fun. Messages directly from God’s angel to Zechariah–or anyone for that matter–are powerful and should never be dismissed or go unnoticed.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were old, far beyond childbearing years. But God. There was a plan written long before they were born. From their old age, from their faithful prayers asking for a child, God used their barren years to produce a miracle named John, who indeed brought them much “joy and delight”. More importantly,  John was also considered as “great in the sight of God” and as a man became His messenger who would prepare the Jewish people for the arrival of the Messiah, taking his rightful place announcing the earthly ministry of his cousin, Jesus.

As we think about Christ’s birth that we will celebrate in a couple of weeks, my challenge is this. First, have a little bit of fun and make a snow angel. If you’ve got kids, do it as a family. Second, read about John in Luke chapter 1. Third, be a blessing to your children–and others– by speaking words of “life” and “love” over them every chance you get. 

Words have power. They speak of life, creation, destruction, even death. Jesus’ words brought healing and His teachings show us how to be encouraging and gracious not only to our family but everyone we meet throughout our day. May we all strive to be examples of  “joy and delight” in our homes, workplaces, and community!