The tradition began in the Middle Ages. People of northern Europe brought evergreen trees into their homes, decorating them for Christmas. With its strong scent, conical form, dark green color, and excellent needle retention, the balsam fir has been a classic Christmas tree choice. For Christians, the evergreen has been a sign of everlasting life with God. In Jeremiah 17, the prophet teaches us another lesson from trees whose “leaves remain green.” He observes that a tree planted by a river or stream has a distinct advantage over a shrub planted in the desert. With its constant water supply, the tree will flourish long after the bush has dried up. So those who trust in the LORD will know His blessing always—even when they are feeling the heat of opposition or enduring a spiritual drought. Those who turn away from God to trust in human resources—such as technology, economics, psychology, medicine, or government—will experience His curse. Apart from the living water of God’s grace, they will be left parched and lonely (v 5-8). The chapter began with the prospect of judgment. Because of their idolatrous hearts, the people of God will be taken to Babylon—mugged, kidnapped, and enslaved. There is even mention of “a fire... that shall burn forever,” because wrath is one aspect of God’s eternal justice. By now, we are surely getting the message: God hates sin and He cannot overlook it (v 1-4). The chapter ends with the prospect of blessing. If God’s people will “keep the Sabbath day holy,” they will have a king on David’s throne, Jerusalem will be their permanent home, and the whole nation will rejoice under God’s favor. But God’s command to rest one day in seven is often ignored, to our own peril. People were just as stubborn and resistant in Jeremiah’s day, so they did not want to stop working. They continuously pursued their own financial profit, despite God’s word and example. This was one more sin to add to Jeremiah’s list of transgressions that bring the fires of judgment (v 19-27). Truly, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Every human is sinful, through and through. No part of our person remains untouched by sin. Since God knows what is in our hearts, and our hearts are deceitful and sick, we must cry out for God to heal us! Jeremiah had often prayed that God would turn the hearts of the people back to Him. But he knew that his own heart needed healing too. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit can take a sinful heart and make it true to God. By His grace, may we be like the prophet, faithful to our calling, finding our refuge in Him (v 9-18). For further meditation: