In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago.
So begins a Christmas carol based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti. It was published, under the title "A Christmas Carol", in the January 1872 issue of Scribner's Monthly.
Most of us do consider winter to be somewhat bleak! Much of the natural beauty around us retreats into hibernation against the harsh temperatures for a few months. But not all plants retreat during this time. I am fascinated by the evergreen plants that continue to bring their beauty during the winter months. The pine trees, Nandinas, holly plants and so many others continue to share their green and red colors for us to enjoy. Many sanctuaries are decorated for Advent with these evergreen plants.
My appreciation for these plants has me thinking about the human family…specifically about followers of Jesus. In harsh times, do we retreat or go into hibernation from the challenges of our culture? Do we retreat into our comfortable bubble of routines? Or, do we continue to share the beauty of Jesus to an ugly world despite the circumstances or conditions!
Consider Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
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