She searched all over town for a ten dollar Christmas tree and found nothing, not even a Charlie Brown sized sapling.
She had one last chance. If Kroger didn’t carry a budget friendly tree, at least she’d walk away with a gallon of milk and Cookie Club freebies for the four children in her charge.
Her three girls, still young enough to proudly wear the matching jumpers she’d sewn, skipped ahead to the lot clumsily bordered by grocery carts. She hoisted her baby boy on her hip and breathed a silent prayer. Provide, Lord. If not a tree, then a way to make this Christmas special for the kids.
The girls darted among the evergreens in search of the very best one while she examined tag after tag to find a half-priced Fir.
“Mommy! Mommy!! You gotta see this one. It’s the BEST tree,” the oldest child declared with every bit of confidence her nine years afforded.
“C’mon!” the six year old two-arm tugged, blue eyes bursting with discovery.
As several little shoes surrounded the chosen tree, her mama’s heart joined the Mary Janes on the cold concrete. It was the best tree. There was no way she could afford it.
“How much is this tree?” she asked the manager, if only to show the children that she had tried. “There doesn’t seem to be a price tag.”
“No tag, huh?” he half asked, half winked. “Hmm, let me see. From the looks of it, this tree is ten dollars, Ma’am.”
Mouth agape, and she reached for the last bill she had left. “We’ll take it!”
As the manager left to ring up the tree, she turned, stunned and smiling, to tell her girls that the man had no idea she only had $10 for a tree. But God knew.
“It’s a miracle. A Christmas miracle!” The sisters commenced skipping and chanting, “God gave us a tree! God gave us a tree!”
Again she breathed prayer, thankful not only for the ten dollar tree, but for the priceless glimpse given to her children of Emmanuel, God With Us.
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There is only one Christmas I remember clearly. I was six.
It was the year God gave us a tree.
I don’t remember what was under the tree that year. Whatever it was, it wasn’t much. My parents were rich only in faith, and it was out of this spiritual bounty that they gave generously to us.
With a heritage like that, you’d think living out the true meaning of Christmas would come easily. And yet I’ve needed frequent reminders from my husband that we do not have to spend to make it special. That the meaningful, even magical, Christmas experience we seek for our children does not need to be material.
Because a 6-year old soon forgets whether she unwrapped the much coveted Barbie Dream House, but she will always remember the year God gave her a tree.
Because a 35-year old soon forgets what she could have splurged on with her Sephora certificate, but she will always remember the year God let her play a part in the emancipation of a child.
So let us encourage one another to act. Not out of guilt. Not because the cool kids are doing it. Not because we want others to see and applaud.
But because we delight to play a part in God’s provision pageant, to participate with Him as He reveals Himself to those in need. To join Him as He rescues, feeds, and makes a way eternal. To celebrate in truth the miracle of God With Us.
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What are ways you and your family will make the season meaningful, without making it material? How will you focus on the Hope, and not the hype?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Jo – That was fantastic. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the buying frenzy. I plan on interviewing my kids this year and asking them what they received as gifts last year. My guess is they won’t remember much, but if you ask them about a memorable Christmas, they will both tell you about the beautiful snowfall we experienced on our way home from Christmas Eve service. (We live in Houston. It NEVER snows in Houston.)
Stunning. So often I read others–I’ve even had comments–that say “I’m reading through tear-filled eyes” and I read the very same thing, and though moved…no tears for me.
When I realized this was a TRUE story…YOURS…and read your words “There is only one Christmas I remember clearly. I was six,” my eyes filled with very warm water
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Heartfelt and pure, you challenge those who’ll see this without resorting to guilt or manipulation. Your experience along gives us pause to think.
Beautiful. A story that I needed to hear on this particular morning. Thank you!
I, too, thought you were writing about someone else at first. It made the story that much more powerful to realize it was your story. Thank you.
As for me, this year I am really, really trying to embrace joy amidst the chaos of the holidays. Sadly, it’s a challenge for me. But writing and reading about it helps spur the momentum!
That was just beautiful! I’m in tears
Bless you for sharing.
Jo – that was so wonderful. Such an encouragement to me as a parent who often feels outclassed in the Christmas season by the buying ability of everyone roundabout. I needed to hear that whisper – Christmas is about Emmanuel and not the perfect plastic gift. It’s a hard message to keep at the forefront of one’s shopping list. But it’s a relief when it sinks in.
Thank-You
It’s so true, isn’t it? We rarely remember the gifts. But we do remember the people. We do remember the joy. We do remember the lessons.
Thanks for sharing this intimate and beautiful story, Jo. You’ve helped us all remember what’s truly lasting.
Oh, Jo. You reach right into a soul.
Jo, that was breathtaking. And yes, I have tears in my eyes. We also grew up with very little, which I think (though we might need reminders not to overdo when we can) makes us more prone to be vehicles of hope.
Such a lovely story of Christmas.
Joanne,
I loved reading this. Not only because of the message, nor simply for your beautiful way with words, but also because I know your heart. Knowing you write the truth that is in your heart makes your piece more special to me! We join you in the unwrapping of Christmas, and are focusing on the true reason to celebrate: “Je-Je’s Birthday!” as my little L says!
We focus on Jesus in simple ways. For fixing our eyes on Jesus doesn’t need to be complicated — it only requires our attention and focus.
So we will: read His word together daily.
Light Advent candles.
Pray as a family, by light of our Hope candle.
Look for Jesus in our every day.
Collect gently-used stuffed animals for a local ministry here.
Keep the manger scene low enough so we can “play” with the pieces.
Join our church family on Advent Family Fun Night, and each Sunday, as we keep our eyes fixed on the coming Savior.
Thank you for asking the question … and thank you for welcoming the simple answer.
Blessings to you.
Simply gorgeous. I teared up as I read….you are so very right – the magic of the holidays is in the memories not in the material.