Brrr

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

It’s cold. Yes, sometimes I come here just to point out the obvious. When I woke this morning, my phone told me that it felt like -6 °F. It will get colder as we move into next week. This is what we get for living up north where the air hurts your face.

The ancient Near East was not Chicago (again, just here to point out the obvious). Still, the people in biblical times had to deal with cold weather. One of the first things God tells Noah after the flood is that winter is still part of creation. God promises Noah that God will never again destroy every living creature. God does not promise Noah that he’ll never need to bundle up against the chill. I wonder if Shem, Ham, and Japheth complained about wearing hats and gloves like my kids do.

The passing seasons remind us of the grandeur of God, and that we are in God’s hands. This weekend is a good time to stay home and get cozy. Put on some tea and pull a favorite book off the shelf. Dust off the boardgames. Spend time in prayer. Stay warm!

This weekend is also a good time to be mindful of God’s call to care for our neighbors. Cold weather exacts a terrible toll on those living with homelessness or housing instability. There are lots of ways to help. You can start by making a financial gift to Housing Forward (or to a similar organization where you live). You can learn more here and donate here. I’m going to make a gift today, and I hope you’ll consider joining me.

Stay warm!

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Lord of our times and seasons, we praise your majesty and marvel at the frozen beauty of creation. Thank you for places of warmth, and for the people who share with us the warmth of your love. Create an end to homelessness. Inspire us to help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Frozen Wenonah Ave., just a little while ago.