“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).

Sitting in the stuffy house one winter day, Dr. Martin Luther looked at his son and decided they should get some fresh air together.

“Son, let’s go for a walk. We both have been cooped up enough today,” Father declared.

“Okay,” Hans said enthusiastically. The sun was shining brightly, casting crystals on the white blanket of snow. The German countryside was covered with the newly fallen snow showing the calming effects of the previous night’s storm.

Stopping, Dr. Luther turned to point out the evergreen trees to his son. Their green needles peered from beneath their caps of snow.

“My son, see those evergreen needles. Even in the dead of winter they keep the color they had in the spring and summer.”

“Why?” asked Hans curiously.

“Well, the cold does not kill the needles as it does the leaves of the other trees,” replied Dad.

“Is that why they are called evergreens; because they are forever green?” Hans asked acutely.

“Yes. Hans, we are like those needles. They never die and we don’t either because we are alive in Christ.”

Remember this, dear child. We will live forever in Christ. Even though we will die on earth, our souls will go on to live with Christ where they will be joined with our new bodies at Christ’s return. Then we will be in heaven praising and giving glory to God. As the evergreen needles live “forever,” we too will live forever with God in heaven.