Photo ©2011 and Commentary ©2026 by Chuck Davis
Monday, March 30, 2026
The Snowshoe Hare is one of three animals in the Cascade Mountains of Washington that change color in the winter. The ermine, (a type of weasel) and the ptarmigan (a type of grouse) also change from a brown summer coat to primarily white in winter. The change in color stems from the shortening of the length of day. The reduced daylight causes a hormonal change and the animal stops producing melanin in new hair follicles. The new hairs also contain air chambers resulting in better insulation.
We can use God’s plan for clothing these animals as an allegory for the garments with which He clothes us.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10 KJV).
As God has clothed this hare in warm camouflage, even more, He longs to clothe you in His protective embrace.