Jan. 28, 2026
As I sit here on a very snowy Sunday, wearing my sweats, as I have been under the weather since Friday, I marvel at the amount of snow that has fallen with more in the forecast. Being a born and bred Canadian, snow does not intimidate me. There are pictures of me, in my youth, standing beside a snowbank which was a good 2 feet higher than me. I have plowed through the highways in Montreal in my tiny Honda Civic, where there were little more than 2 ruts in the road due to the fact that the plows had not yet done their job. I also remember trudging home from university on a cold, snowy night. No one was out. The night air was silent with the snow falling ever so gently upon the road. I was alone in a dark void of wonder. The crunch of my boots was the only sound. That is the memory of “good snow” that I keep close to me. Shovelling the driveway and sidewalks…. not so much. I thank God for a wonderful neighbour who insists on “borrowing” my snowblower so that he can clear my driveway, as well as his and to help whatever neighbour needs assistance. Following are some reflections on how we can look upon snow as part of God’s wonderful world which he has so wondrously created for us.
A very snowy day offers a unique, often forced, pause in the busyness of life, providing a perfect backdrop for spiritual reflection, stillness, and gratitude.
Here are spiritual reflections on a snowy day, categorized by theme:
1. The Blanket of Grace and Forgiveness
- Covering Imperfections: Just as fresh snow covers the dirt, dead leaves, and broken pavement, it acts as a visual metaphor for God’s grace, covering the stains of sin and imperfection in our lives.
- Whiter than Snow: The purity of a snowy landscape echoes the scripture from Psalm 51:7, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,” inviting a reflection on personal purification and receiving divine forgiveness.
- A Clean Start: A new snowfall represents a “blank slate,” a chance to begin again and see the world (and our lives) as refreshed and renewed.
2. The Invitation to Stillness
- A Holy Pause: Snow muffles the sounds of the world, creating a natural silence that invites us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
- Slowing Down: A heavy snowfall forces a halt to daily commutes and hectic schedules, offering an opportunity for rest, reflection, and intentional time with God.
- The Comfort of Shelter: The cold outside highlights the blessing of a warm home, reminding us to be grateful for shelter and to pray for those who lack it.
3. God’s Creativity and Power
- Unique Design: The knowledge that no two snowflakes are identical highlights the limitless creativity of the Creator, reflecting that you, too, are uniquely crafted with purpose.
- Sovereignty Over Nature: Snow is a testament to God’s power. Psalm 147:16 says, “He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes,” reminding us that He is in control of the circumstances that sometimes bury us.
- Preparation for New Growth: Snow nourishes the earth for the spring. Similarly, “winter” seasons in life—though difficult—prepare us for future growth and blooming.
4. Lessons in Trust and Renewal
- Temporary Nature: Snow is fleeting; it falls, dazzles, and then melts. This mirrors the seasons of life, reminding us to trust that difficult, “icy” trials will not last forever, and spring will come.
- Trusting the Path: When landmarks are buried, we are forced to walk by faith, following the footsteps already laid before us.
- Transformation: The transition from a muddy, brown landscape to a white wonderland symbolizes the transformative, life-giving power of God to change dead, barren areas of our lives into something beautiful.
A Simple Prayer for a Snowy Day
Lord, thank You for the beauty of this snow and the reminder of Your cleansing grace. As this white blanket covers the earth, help me to feel my sins covered and washed away by Your love. In the silence of this day, let me rest in Your presence, trust in Your power, and remember that You are preparing my heart for a new season. Amen.
Blizzard
Linda Pastan
the snow
has forgotten
how to stop
it falls
stuttering
at the glass
a silk windsock
of snow
blowing
under the porch light
tangling trees
which bend
like old women
snarled
in their own
knitting
snow drifts
up to the step
over the doorsill
a pointillist’s blur
the wedding
of form and motion
shaping itself
to the wish
of any object it touches
chairs become
laps of snow
the moon could be
breaking apart
and falling
over the eaves
over the roof
a white bear.
Pancake Supper
Tuesday, Feb. 17th @ 6:00 PM
Free Will Offering gratefully accepted
A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board
Everyone is welcome to join us for our famous Down East Pancakes, homemade by our in-house chefs.
Fellowship hour to follow with a Sing-Along led by Susan Chopp
This will be a wonderful opportunity to socialize with you friends as we prepare for the Lenten season.
Matching Gift Campaign Results
The Graceview Matching Gift Fund Raising Campaign conducted in the month of December 2025 was a tremendous success. A total of $12,490 was donated, which includes the $5,000 matching gift, and that amount will all go toward reducing our 2025 annual deficit. Special thanks go to our Matching Gift Donor who had the idea for the campaign and donated the matching gift, and to all those in the congregation who so generously supported the campaign. Thank you all.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome
* Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
* Thursday, Jan. 29 @ 9:30 AM – Sing! Etobicoke @ GV
* Friday, Jan. 30 @ 2:00 PM – Music & Worship
* Sunday, Feb. 1 @ 11:45 AM – Bell Ringers rehearsal
* Monday, Feb. 2 @ 7:00 PM – Outreach Team
* Tuesday, Feb. 17 @ 6:00 PM – Pancake Supper
* Sunday, Mar. 1 @ 10:30 AM – Sacrament of Holy Communion
* Saturday, Mar. 7 – Women’s World Day of Prayer (details will follow)
* Sunday, Mar. 8 @ 11:30 AM – Annual General Meeting