The Big Snowstorm

It’s February, the middle of winter, and it’s a winter wonderland around us. You see, we’re currently living where Trevor and I both grew up: eastern Ontario, Canada, where the average snowfall is about 55 inches (139.7 cm) per year—but we’ve definitely topped that this year!

We recently experienced a big winter storm with almost three feet of snow falling in just a few days. And you know what that means! That’s right—it’s time for an exploration of God’s creation.

We got all our winter gear on and went outside, exploring the snow and how quiet the woods are covered in a deep blanket of snow.

We all know snow is fun to play in, but what exactly is snow?

Well, snowflakes are ice crystals that form under certain conditions, including just the right temperature and humidity. Snowflakes are thought to be unique, like fingerprints, with no two looking quite alike because the patterns they form are so complex.

A snowflake begins with a grain of dust or pollen in the atmosphere, and the flake begins to form around that particle. The temperature, humidity, and other factors determine what sort of shape the snowflake will end up being, and that shape can change as the snowflake falls or drifts to the ground (a process that usually takes about an hour).

Did you know? Scientists have cataloged 35 basic snowflake designs.

You’ve probably heard the song “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” But snow isn’t technically white. It’s translucent (you can see this yourself by catching a snowflake on your mitten). Sunlight hits the snow, reflecting off it, diffusing the color spectrum, and making the snow appear white.

Snow adds such beauty to winter, provides a ground covering to protect plants and animals from the harsh cold, and provides necessary water for the ground as it melts. It’s a good gift from God!

And snow, like rain, can remind us of how God’s Word accomplishes the purpose he sets forth for it. As Isaiah 55:10–11 says:

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Well, we’re off on another adventure. Until next time, remember Psalm 148:8, “Fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!” Even the weather obeys God!

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Ask your parents to help you contact us at schusoff@answers.tv with any comments or questions you’d like to share.

P.S.S. Is winter making you wish for sunshine and hot days? Ask your parents to help you check out “Habitats” from Season 1 of Schus Off! on Answers.tv, where we explore the Florida coastline and meet some incredible creatures.