That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:1-4
Everlasting Life – 1 John 1:1-4 (December 16)
Eternal life was made manifest to us in the person of Jesus. Manifest means easily observable using the senses – obvious. God sent His Son to as an a living breathing manifestation of eternal life and God’s incalculable love.
One of the reminders we have during December of this gift of everlasting life is the Christmas tree. Christmas trees are evergreen plants. They stay lovely and green, alive and fragrant throughout the cold winter. They are a sign and symbol to us of the evergreen love of God and the eternal life we have through Jesus.
Trees have had meaning from the very beginning of time.
And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9
Our Christmas trees also remind us that because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience regarding a tree we are separated from God’s presence. Through the sacrifice of Jesus being nailed to a different tree, we are restored to right relationship with our Creator.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
A job to do
We have a job to do. We are to keep ourselves in the love of God. We are to build ourselves up in faith, encouraging our spirits in the Lord, praying in the Holy Spirit. It is the mercy of Jesus that leads to eternal life. When we have found it, we are to share it with others, rescuing them back to the Father.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:20-23
Action Step:
Choose a scripture to use to encourage yourself when you are down and share it in the comments on Facebook or YouTube. Whenever you see a Christmas tree, say your Bible verse to yourself.
Prayer:
Dear God, lead us to the perfect scripture to build up our faith and encourage our spirits. Use the Christmas trees all around us to remind us to use Your Word in this way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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