Youth Ministry
|  | Shawn Hecksel - Director of Youth Ministries
P: 952-474-5181 ext. 13 | E: Shawn.Hecksel@oslcs.org Shawn joined the staff of Our Savior in December 2004. He is a native of Watertown, MN, where he attended St. Peter Lutheran School (now Christ Community Lutheran School). From there,he attended Mayer Lutheran High School, and Concordia College in St. Paul. Shawn believes best times of his childhood were spent with his youth group growing up. These experiences turned Shawn’s interest to youth ministry at Concordia. He is blessed with many talents, including playing the guitar, drums, and singing. He has also found great love and support from his wife, Jessica.  Close Popup
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From the desk of Shawn
As I sit in my office typing this it is Monday, January 11, 2010, two days past the deadline and I am trying to think of something pertinent to write about for February. I could write about how busy we all are, but that has been done to death. But, as I sat looking around me outside I thought, “How much are we like the snow?” I mean, Jesus said he will wash us as white as snow, so there has to be something in that thought right?
So I thought more about this theory and realized that we are indeed a great deal like snow. As snow falls it can either be a very majestic sight, or a sight that brings fear and trepidation. It is all a matter of perception. If you are sitting in your home, your family is all home safe and you don’t have to go anywhere, it is beautiful. If you are outside driving in it, or have family or friends coming over it can be very difficult to see as anything other than dangerous.
When Jesus came to this earth, it was because we needed Him. The world didn’t necessarily want Him mind you, but we definitely needed Him. He came to save us from the sin that covers us fully and leaves us empty. As I look at snow right after it falls, it makes me think about how each and every day Jesus gives us the opportunity for a fresh start. The snow when it is fresh is beautiful, much like us when we are forgiven. But in time it gets dirty, black. This is also like us because in time we become black with sin and need renewing. It is at that time that we usually get a new snowfall that covers that black dirty snow and leaves it fresh and clean again.
The difference between snow and us, as forgiven Christians, is when we are made white it is not a “covering” but a complete cleansing. The dirt of sin is GONE and we are left clean. Jesus loved us so much even in our sin that He came to the earth as a little baby to save us, “While we were still sinners!” How awesome is our God that He would do that for us. So as you see the snow remember that Jesus makes us as white as snow also through His sacrifice He made for us. Have a great month!
—Peace, Shawn
