Whiter Than Snow
With the historic snowfall this winter, most people are talking about the snow. As Connie and I looked out on it this morning, we agree it is beautiful!
Pure white, newly fallen, undisturbed by humans or animals, freshly fallen snow is beautiful.
Whether Israel’s singer, King David ever actually saw snow like we are getting is debatable, but after he had committed adultery he prays for forgiveness and cleansing. And in verse 7 of Psalm 51, he says “Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” David knew that only the Lord could cleanse his sin and make him pure, whiter than snow.
Numerous hymn writers have picked up on this theme. One of those was James L. Nicholson, a native of Ireland who came to America around the age of 25 and lived in Philadelphia for almost two decades. Around 1871 he moved to Washington, DC and worked there as a clerk in the Post Office Department. We really don’t know much more about him, but in 1872 he penned the words to the hymn “Whiter than Snow.” We can only assume that Nicholson, like David and countless others, recognized the need to seek the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing, to be made whiter than snow. Nicholson also knew that when one seeks this cleansing, the Lord will never say no. Take a moment and meditate on these words. All of us need to heed its message because we all are in need of God’s forgiveness and cleansing
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;I want Thee forever to live in my soul.Break down every idol, cast out every foeNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snowLord Jesus, look down from Your throne in the skiesAnd help me to make a complete sacrifice.I give up myself and whatever I knowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snowLord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet.By faith, for my cleansing I see Your blood flowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snowLord Jesus, before You I patiently wait;Come now and within me a new heart create.To those who have sought You, You never said “No”Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snowNow wash me and I shall be whiter than snow
Photo by Bob Canning on Unsplash