REMINDER OF LIFE IN JESUS
Whenever we see stands popping up on vacant lots and parking lots selling fresh cut Christmas trees, we know that Christmas will soon be here!
A fresh cut tree is a tree that has been recently cut from the trunk of the tree. Since it no longer receives water and food from the roots, the bottom of the tree must be put in a stand with water to keep the needles from drying out and falling off of the tree. The tree will eventually wither and die because it no longer is connected to, or abides in, the trunk and roots. Christmas trees can remind us that we grow in the life Christ has given us by remaining in Him.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Jesus’ image of a vine resembles a tree and its branches. Water and food flow from the vine or tree trunk to its branches giving them life. Jesus uses this image to show that new life flows from Him, the true Vine, to those who trust in Him for new life. Life does not exist apart from Christ. We must rely on Jesus. Receiving life and nourishment from Jesus is called abiding in Christ.
We abide in Christ through His word, the Bible (John 15:7). Reading the Bible enables us to bear fruit. Reading the Bible helps us to know Jesus. The Bible tells us how to love Jesus by obeying His commands. The Bible informs us how to pray. Reading the Bible gives us great joy. The Holy Spirit gives us power to reach others with God’s Word.
Just like a tree’s roots enable the tree to grow and be strong, reading the Bible each day helps you abide in Christ.