Since we moved to Ohio, we have not decorated the house at Christmas time because we have always left early in December to go visit our families. This year we did not have plans to leave until the 18th of December. I had a really hard time getting into the Christmas spirit because there was nothing at home to help me remember that this season wasn't like every other season of the year. It was a time to reflect on our Savior Jesus Christ. Although all the decorations have become so commercial, I think they really do help us to think of the meaning of the season and try harder to spread the love of the Lord. As the weeks went by, I got a little sadder. One morning I woke up and I just said "come on kids, lets get in the car and go buy a Christmas tree". It was totally a spur of the moment thing, and we were leaving in just 5 days. But, I needed a little bit of Christmas cheer in our house, even if only for a few days. So we set out and came home with an adorable little Christmas tree. The kids and I had so much fun decorating it, and some how I was instantly happy again. We loved that little tree for those 5 days and the kids and I became very attached to it. Then, when it was time to go we put it out on the curb. I hoped that someone would drive by and take it home and enjoy it for the rest of the holiday season.
Just yesterday, my neighbor came over and brought me a card with this written in it:
"This is a story about a little Christmas tree that just kept giving.
The economy hit really hard times. Christmas was fast approaching and it was obvious that Tom* and Jennifer* could only give their family love this holiday. Tom being a construction laborer, there was no work to be found. Jennifer having an immune disease, simply unable to work.
Both kept positive and loving knowing/believing that all was okay. Friends sent money to help pay rent and to keep the heat on. They gave of their time to help others worse off than themselves.
The most difficult part for Jennifer was not having a Christmas tree. Growing up, her mother had two, three and one year FOUR Christmas trees. Jennifer knew it was not acceptable to spend what little money they had on a tree, so she made little trees in vases of water. She even put lights on them and small decorations.
The Union provided a Christmas turkey and they were set to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Then one morning, as Jennifer walked down the street, there it was. Pristine, beautifully shaped ans so healthy! A little Christmas tree that their neighbors had already decorated with care and love and cherished with their children. They had already left the city to celebrate Christmas with their families and had gently placed the little tree at the curb.
Never could the neighbors had known how special, in fact, what a miracle had occurred for Jennifer and Tom. Jennifer was filled with joy and gratitude. She looked to the sky and said "Thank you, Jesus!".
Then she picked up the tree and skipped home, humming Christmas songs as she went!
Jennifer found a holder for the tree and placed it in water. Then she found her Christmas tree lights. She adorned that little tree with 5 strands of colored lights. She carefully chose each decoration to place on the tree. When she had finished, Tom placed the star on the top and together they said a prayer of thanks and good will.
They sent travel mercies to their neighbors for a safe trip and thanked them for the little tree that kept on giving.
Then they hugged and the kissed and they laughed out loud with joy for yet another blessing so magically bestowed upon them. It was their greatest, most joyful Christmas celebration ever!"
Tears filled my eyes as I read this. I didn't do anything special, but it just shows the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father! That little tree helped 2 families to feel the love of our Savior. This story made me want to be more aware of the situations of those around me and to truly love and serve my neighbors. I hope that we can all keep on giving all year long and not just at Christmas time!!
