To say I love decorating our Christmas tree would only be partly true. If an assistant could arrange the prickly branches of our artificial tree and then drape and tuck the lights so they’re evenly dispersed, I’d be thrilled.
For me, the fun doesn’t begin until I unpack our collection of beloved hodge-podge ornaments—from family, friends, members of the churches my husband pastored, and students of the elementary classes I taught. It’s a delightful challenge to find the perfect spot for each one.
Some I hang where a tree light can serve as a tiny spotlight.
Other ornaments are perched over a light . . .
. . . and still others are lit from within.
The aim is to create a tree that glows with reflected light.
One year, on a mid-December afternoon, Steve came home to find the tree collapsed on the floor. Strings of lights snaked outward in uneven loops, and decorations lay scattered hither and yon. (Thankfully only a few ornaments shattered; the most prized survived.)
so you can imagine the mess!
A moment later I arrived home. Steve met me at the door, a pained expression on his face. “I have some bad news,” he began.
Immediately our two college-age children Eric and Heather came to mind—due to arrive home for winter break at any moment. Had there been an accident? Or maybe it was our youngest, Jeremy, who still lived at home. Had something happened to him?
However, Steve’s expression didn’t indicate that level of emergency. In the split second before he continued my mind riffled through other scenarios. Maybe one of our incoming Christmas cards included sad news, or perhaps something untoward had happened to a church member.
When Steve did reveal the problem, I actually felt relief and gratitude. A toppled Christmas tree was nothing compared to those other conjectures.
While taking my turn to evaluate the damage, Steve said, “I’m so sorry; I know how much you love the tree. Listen–I’ll go to CVS and pick up that prescription you called in this morning; you wait here for the kids. We can figure this out later.” And off he went.
Unbeknownst to me, as he was pulling out of the driveway, Eric and Heather pulled in. They rolled down their windows to greet one another, then Steve told them, “Be extra nice to your mother—the Christmas tree fell down. I’m on my way to CVS to pick up a prescription for her. I’ll be back in a few minutes!”
Steve continued backing out toward the street; Eric and Heather looked at one another in astonishment.
“Whoa!” Heather exclaimed. “I can understand Mom’s upset, but she needs a prescription?”
They pictured me in full grieving mode.
Moments later the three of us laughed uproariously over the misunderstanding, then again when Steve returned, and once more when Jeremy arrived.
Little did we know that all these years later we’d still be laughing about that toppled tree and Mom needing a prescription. In fact, just two weeks ago on Thanksgiving the story was repeated and everyone chuckled–again.
No doubt you have your own stories of imperfect Christmases. Interesting isn’t it–those are the ones that especially warm our hearts and make us smile.
The first Christmas story includes its share of imperfect moments too—although certainly not the humorous variety:
- A grueling trip to Bethlehem at the very end of Mary’s pregnancy
- No place to stay when Mary and Joseph arrived
- The birth of the Messiah-King in a stable-cave
- His first bed–a feeding trough
- His first visitors–scruffy shepherds
Little could Mary and Joseph have known that the story of Jesus’ birth –full of imperfections as it was–would warm our hearts and make us smile all these years later. Why? Because the Lord of heaven became one of us—born into the imperfect circumstances of this world. He understands completely every imperfection we face.
He also knows our internal flaws–our weaknesses, failures, and sinfulness—yet loves us anyway, and offers His perfect gift of salvation and eternity in heaven with Him.
One day—perhaps soon–all imperfections will be erased when Jesus returns to earth.
May these truths of the ancient Christmas story warm your heart and make you smile—all season long and beyond.
_______________
(Other related scripture: John 1:14; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 9:15; James 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 21:1-4)
P.S. We never did determine exactly what caused the tree to fall!
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (4); http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.jeffholcomb.com; http://www.pixhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com.
From the Inside Out 
Thank you for the giggle! I needed that! And thank you for the encouraging post. It is so comforting to remember the love of our Savior in the midst of messes and imperfections. 🙌✝️🙏
Agreed, Bridget. So glad I could provide you with a giggle!
I am so thankful for this: “He also knows our internal flaws–our weaknesses, failures, and sinfulness—yet loves us anyway, and offers His perfect gift of salvation and eternity in heaven with Him.” Sometimes I feel as if I fail Him when I become burdened by the events occurring in our world these days…but I am so grateful that regardless of my weaknesses, etc., He loves me anyway! And we who belong to Him know that we are only passing through this world…on our way to an eternity of Joy! My task here is to refocus my thoughts and priorities to be of service to Him and be used to lead others to Christ before it is too late. Thanks for this uplifting (and humorous) post!
You are so right: to remember we’re just passing through this world helps us keep proper perspective; to remember we’re on our way to an eternity of Joy keeps us hopeful. I love your heart, Cheri–so burdened for those around you and for the world at large!
a great story that brought a smile to my face this afternoon. Thanks for sharing!!! What a great family legend
Perhaps this story is one the grandchildren will be telling THEIR children one day. So glad I could bring you a smile, Jean!
Nancy, so many times in the minor crises that would come about in the Christmas season (I tended to bite off more than I could chew.) I would think of all that Mary had to endure and realize that if these things were the worst that happened to me that day, I was having an easy day.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Amen, Ann–so true! She embodied wisdom, courage, and faith far beyond her years–a most worthy example to keep in mind.
Tell me the name of that prescription, Nancy. Some days I need it!! 🙂 🙂 What a great family story, but more importantly I love how you wove that story into the story of Jesus. I saw The Chosen Christmas in the theater last week. They did an amazing job of showing the hardship of Mary and Joseph’s experience and the birth of Jesus. For God to send His Son into this mess of a world, and for Jesus to be willing to come, fills me with so much thankfulness and wonder. Thank you for shining a light on His love for us. Blessings in this season, Nancy.
Thank you, Patty. The prescription I needed that Christmas was for a rash I’d developed! You’re the second person who’s recommended that movie, The Chosen Christmas. We’ll have to check it out. And oh yes, “the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love” do fill us with gratitude and awe!
Thank you for a delightful story, Nancy, and for necessary perspective during the Season. Shortly after we bought our Christmas tree this year, I neglected to water it and suddenly its basin was as dry as a bone. I was stressed for the next day or so, thinking it would dry up before we make it to Christmas Day. It seems to be doing fine now, but let’s be honest; there are so many other concerns more deserving of our attention (and stress) than the health of a Christmas tree. Your posts always bring focus on what matters this time of year and always. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Dave. So glad your tree appears to have survived its drought! But yes, other concerns are much more deserving than our Christmas decorations. I must often pray for God to clear the way through the distractions, in order to experience him with more intensity and worship him with more focus.
This definitely warmed my heart and made my smile!! Thank you Nancy for sharing this sweet story and I love how you tied it to the story of Jesus and His arrival that wasn’t picture perfect, what a great reminder that beauty can still happen in the midst of messes.
And I love your summary statement: beauty can still happen in the midst of messes! Thank you for stopping by, Alicia, and taking time to comment.
🙂❤️
Thanks Nancy, That was cute. You will have a laugh every time you recall it. Sam
I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Sam!
Nancy,
Thanks for the Christmas moment. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Gary
You’re welcome, Gary! We’re already enjoying a Merry Christmas season–time with family being at the top of the list, reveling in some lovely Christmas music at an outdoor venue perhaps second. May you also delight in all things merry at this joy-filled time of year!
Heart warmed and smiling! ❤️
Hurray–and thank you for stopping by, Deborah!