Did you know that the evergreen tree or “Christmas Tree” has biblical significance? It represents everlasting life. The evergreen tree is one of the only trees that are “all-season”. Now, if I were to be any plant, for sure I would choose evergreen. Beaten by storms, cold and snow it endures! One of my favourite scripture verses is Ephesians 4:14-15- so we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes, rather speak the truth in love, we are to grow up in him who is the head, into Christ.

Any other tree: maple, oak, birch, alder are all ones beaten by winds, fallen leaves and barren during the winter. This reminds me of the parable of the sower, where the seeds fall among rocks, the have no root and in time of testing fall away (Luke 8). Now, when the weather improves the trees renew and flourish and hit the dirt when it gets too tough again. The same can be said of us, do we give up when the storms of life hit? A popular song by Casting Crowns tells us to Praise God in the storm. He loves us amidst our brokenness. Just as he cares for the trees that fall away and renew year after year. We must trust God, for everlasting life, our seasons should not seem so rough if God is on our side, full-on faith in him is the answer. Popular Christian band: Switchfoot released a song called Evergreen, singer Jon Foreman writes these words:

Me and the trees, losing our leaves, Falling like blood on the ground I want to be evergreen Everything dies, I know last night Part of me wasn’t around I want to be evergreen, I want to live all year round.

James Fretz.