Sermon On The First Snowdrops Of Winter

William Wordsworth, an English poet once remarked: “Lone Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they But hardier far, once more I see thee bend Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend, Like an unbidden guest. Though, day by day, Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay The rising sun, and on the plains descend; Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend.” Philemon 1:8 reminds us: “Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required.”

In the midst of a surrounding dormant landscape, the first snowdrops are widely considered to conquer the harshness of life. In the Northern Hemisphere, Christian emblematicness and folklore, they usually emerge in the latter part of winter to represent hope, new life, rebirth, and the triumph of light and life over darkness and death, all themes that interrelate to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Snowdrops, also known as "Candlemas Bells" or "Fair Maids of February," traditionally bloom around the time of the Christian festival of Candlemas (February 2nd). This feast commemorates the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple, symbolizing Him as the "Light of the World". The white flowers are often used to decorate churches for the celebration.

A prominent Christian legend tells that after Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden into a frozen world, an angel consoled Eve by transforming falling snowflakes into snowdrops as a sign of hope that spring would follow winter. The snowdrop's pure white color symbolizes purity and innocence, often associated with the Virgin Mary. Its ability to emerge through frost and snow in the bleakest part of winter represents resilience and the promise of new beginnings, echoing the theme of Christ's triumph over death. Therefore, they serve as a powerful natural reminder of the hope and new life that the resurrection embodies within Christian tradition. This effectively personifies victory, divine proof and a new spiritual life for believers.

Snowdrops are widely considered to portray dignity, often described as a delicate and elegant beauty that appears during the severity of winter. Their simple yet resilient appearance inspires feelings of joy and anticipation for the coming spring. However, winter also has its own distinct aesthetics, often characterized by serene, snow-covered landscapes, intricate ice formations, the quietness of nature, and the unique quality of winter light. This exquisiteness is not just in the formidable scenery but also in the experiences it brings, such as cozy indoor activities and awe-inspiring natural phenomena like the Northern Lights. Snowdrops are commonly associated with the dawning of a new age as they are among the earliest flowers to bloom at the end of winter, often emerging through snow and frozen ground, heralding the imminent arrival of spring King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in the biblical Book of Daniel also signifies new beginnings, specifically the succession of world empires and the ultimate establishment of a final, eternal kingdom set up by God that will bring an end to all human rule.

Daniel 4:1-5 is King Nebuchadnezzar's royal proclamation to all peoples, nations, and languages, in which he declares his recent dream and the fear it caused him. The passage's meaning centers on God's sovereignty, showing that the king, despite his power, acknowledges that his own kingdom is temporary compared to God's eternal one. The passage is the preface to a narrative that demonstrates God's power through humbling Nebuchadnezzar's pride and eventually restoring him after he acknowledges God's ultimate authority.

It reminds us: “King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me.”

Winter is the coldest season, occurring between autumn and spring, characterized by shorter days and, in many regions, snow and ice. It begins astronomically with the winter solstice (around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere) and meteorologically as the three coldest months (December, January, February). During this time, plants become dormant and many animals hibernate. Snowdrops are a frequent subject in poetry primarily because they are powerful, enduring symbols of hope, new beginnings, resilience, and the transition from death (winter) to life (spring). Their early and delicate appearance amidst harsh, cold conditions makes them a potent metaphor for human emotions and experiences. Snowdrops represent the triumph of life over adversity, appearing even through the depths of snow and frost. Their life-giving symbolism extends to historical medicinal uses for treating conditions like headaches and polio. Gail Mazur, an American poet once remarked: “Late February, and the air's so balmy snowdrops and crocuses might be fooled into early blooming. Then, the inevitable blizzard will come, blighting our harbingers of spring, and the numbed yards will go back undercover. In Florida, it's strawberry season- shortcake, waffles, berries and cream will be penciled on the coffeeshop menus.”