Snowflakes: Reminders of the Perfect Gift

At this time of year, we receive Christmas cards from our mission partners in the field. We are continually blessed by these handmade cards and personal notes from orphans we support in Haiti, students in the Philippines, and the Catholic missionaries we support in Latin America and Africa.

We received an especially poignant card this week from one of the missionaries we support in Guyana. It was a beautiful reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in charity — giving of one’s self for others as God gave his son to us.

Snow fell this weekend as I was on my day home for Christmas. After six years in Guyana without it, the flakes falling back home in the U.S were amazing to watch.  I wondered how many I could hold in my hand if they didn’t melt upon impact. I thought about how each one is unique.  I thought about how beautiful they look and yet how quickly they melt away.

I love the symbolism of snow. It reminds me of the orphan children I serve in Guyana. Each of them is unique, a precious creation in our Lord’s eyes. When I see snow, I am reminded of how blessed I am to do the work that I do. I have an opportunity to care for some of his most needy children. I would imagine it brings joy to his heart when he sees them happy and loved, just as I smile when I see beautiful snowflakes falling from the sky.

At Cross Catholic we are honored to serve some of God’s most needy children, as well, thanks to the support of generous American Catholics.

On behalf of everyone at Cross Catholic, we wish you a very merry Christmas! And as you enjoy fellowship with friends and family this Christmas week, take some time to reflect on and celebrate the birth of Christ our savior!

The Meaning of the Snowflake
By Holly Gerth

Every new snowflake comes to the earth
is a picture of our Savior’s birth,
because they are sent from up above
and remind us of God’s care and love.

Each one is so intricate and small
because Christ sees the details of us all,
and just as two are never the same
the Lord knows and calls us each by name.

Snowflakes gently cover the world in white
and hide what’s unlovely from our sight,
showing us how He covers our sin
and gives us His grace when we come to Him.

So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind
and in every bit of white may you find
a reason to celebrate anew
and a reminder of His love for you.