Instead of the thorn 
shall come up the cypress,

Instead of the brier 
shall come up the myrtle,

and it shall make a 
name for the Lord,

an everlasting sign that 
shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:13


Christmas season brings our attention to many trees.  I have a fake tree up in my house, and I just added this tiny tabletop cypress.  Aside from decoration, the essence I take from these trees now is their evergreen quality.  If I may, the verse above reminds us that God wanted the evergreen trees in Israel to be a reminder of something lasting— God's faithfulness, His promises, the salvation made possible by Christ.  It's never-ending. With this world in flux and our days uncertain, we can still focus our time and attention on what will last.  

My tiny cypress won't last forever, but many trees do last for what seems like forever.  It's not in a tree's nature to just die.  They aren't like other plants that have a life expectancy.  As long as they stay rooted, they continue to grow and yield fruit.  So it is with those who trust the Lord and remain in Him.  Thank God.  He keeps the righteous grounded, bearing fruit even after dry seasons.

I stood looking at the trees along a river (right) and listening to young girls playing the old song which states, "like a tree planted by the water, I shall not be moved."  What a comfort to man that he can be rooted in something bigger, stronger, and more powerful than himself.

And the spirit of Christmas may fade but the Spirit of Christ can be celebrated year long FOREVERMORE.