That unforgettable night, four noses pressed against the car windows, so our eyes could better spot a tree … hoping for a miracle.
As Christmas had neared, our dad reluctantly explained to us kids how money was too tight for gifts that year, but he could manage a tree for us if we waited until Christmas Eve to get one, when the prices came down. The four of us, a big brother, two sisters, and a little brother, were disappointed of course, but were raised well to understand and accept things as they were, not as we wanted them to be. We then waited expectantly with suppressed excitement for Christmas Eve.
At last, the long-awaited time had arrived! After my dad had a long day at work, and then a quick meal, we eagerly climbed into the car to bring home our longawaited tree.
But life had other plans.
Every lot we could find had sold out of trees! We all were stunned. How could this be? They ALWAYS had left-over trees! But not that year. Lots that were normally still invitingly lit with lights were empty. Unlit and dark, they looked lifeless. No semblance of Christmas anywhere. And our hearts were beginning to feel the same – stripped bare of Christmas. No gifts … now not even a tree to adorn with the decorations waiting at home.
I remember well the quiet heaviness that settled on us all.
My poor parents must have felt awful, especially my dad. Their hearts sinking further into the pit of despair than it did for us kids. I’m sure too he was feeling like a failure, thinking he had let us down. But we couldn’t tell, for like a trooper he was still hanging in there for the sake of his kids.
Details are long ago gone, but I do remember my parents telling us not to give up hope ... to keep our eyes peeled, for someone might still have some trees left. Out of desperation, my dad then slowly began driving up and down the streets of town, probably praying for a miracle.
The hour became late, and discouragement laid heavy on us all. My parents were beginning to make sounds of giving up the dream of having a tree for that year, for it was past time to return home. Then suddenly my dad threw on the brakes.
There in front of the drug store, was a single tree.
My parents began to talk between themselves like parents do. “But they don’t sell trees!” “So why is it there?” “It must belong to somebody.” “Perhaps someone had just set it there while they picked up something in the drug store. Which means they’re coming back for it.” We all waited with bated breath, while staring relentlessly at that single tree. A few came out but no one picked it up.
“Surely no one would just leave a tree sitting there.” “But they’ll soon be closing.” My dad suddenly broke the chain of speculating, and made a decision. “I’m going in there to find out. What can it hurt?”
All our eyes were fixed on my dad as he stepped out the car and crossed the street. Glancing longingly at the tree as he passed it, he pushed open the door to enter. We all remained quiet with eyes fixed on the door.
At last it opened – then my dad reached for the tree to pick it up! Smiling broadly, he brought it to the car to bring it home. We all began to excitedly chatter at once. “What happened?” “How can this be?!” “The only tree in town!” My dad calmed us down so he could tell us.
When Dad asked about the tree, the druggist told him he didn’t know who the tree belonged to. All he knew was earlier someone came and set it there, then walked away and never came back. My dad was still stunned in the telling. (Had it been an angel sent by God, knowing a struggling family was going to need His help late that evening? It could very well have been.)
The druggist then told my dad … “It’s late, and the tree looks pretty scrawny,” which it did. “I don’t expect he’s coming back for it. You can have it if you want it.”
That year we didn’t feel poor … we truly felt unforgettably blessed!
This is a true story of God’s care.