The Christmas Tree

Years ago, when my husband and I were having our first Christmas we decided to buy an artificial tree versus a live tree. Like so many newly married couples just starting out we found ourselves on a very limited budget. In fact, we couldn't even afford any decorations for the tree.

We went to our local department store to find a tree but must admit, I was a "rather" disappointed with the tree we finally bought. I really wanted the bigger, better tree that was only a little more money. For some reason though I felt "lead" to pick this one particular tree!

We brought the tree home and put it aside to put up later. Over the next few days I thought about ways we could decorate the tree. Maybe we could string some popcorn and cranberries and maybe spray some pinecones silver and gold, but I really wasn't sure.

When the day came to put up the tree it was at that time that my husband discovered the box had in fact been re-taped. I didn't say much all the while thinking,"Yeah, someone must have brought it back to the store, alright, it was after all, quite the "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree." For lack of a better word, the tree was "yucky." Even thinking back today I'm embarrassed to admit how negative and unappreciative I was towards that poor tree.

While I was thinking about the yucky tree we had to put up for our first Christmas I suddenly heard my husband yelling out with sheer delight. "Oh, my goodness, there are TONS OF REALLY BEAUTIFUL DECORATIONS in this box, too!" I went over to see what his excitement was all about and sure enough in the box was all of these absolutely GORGEOUS decorations.

Puzzled, I checked the outside of the box hoping to see the decorations listed there. But, no such luck! I suddenly realized the store must sold us their display tree by mistake. We looked at each other disappointed knowing what we had to do next. I said I'd call the store to let them know we had their tree and ornaments. We both knew it had to be done, but trust me, we didn't REALLY want to make that call.

When I called and spoke to the store manager he told me they had discovered the tree missing the day before when they went to put it up for display. In it's place for that section of the store they went ahead and put up a brand new tree. I told the manager we would return the tree and decorations to the store within the hour. To my total surprise the manager told me this was all their mistake and for being so honest he wanted us to keep everything. I thanked him several times all the while him reassuring me it was really O. K. and then wished us a Merry Christmas!

The joy I felt on that day was indescribable!

Even with that LITTLE YUCKY TREE, or so I thought .... God really showed us, otherwise. He showed how he could even under the worst or not the "best" situation shower us with more blessings than we could ever imagine. I think about that little tree every Christmas season.

Many years later we were able to buy a new tree and decorations. We gave the tree and decorations to the Salvation army thrift store... I somehow feel certain that God made sure the tree with the decorations again went to someone who really needed them!

God was so Good and Faithful providing us with such a beautiful blessed first Christmas!!!