Stacked within the 9 to 10 foot section, marked $95.00, beautiful and full, I found my tree. I watched as various customers pulled it out to examine it, then quickly put it back only to choose another. While my daughter and I were in pursuit of the perfect Christmas tree, I found something different.
A bit late this year, I normally have my Christmas decorations up and done the day after Thanksgiving; but, this year has just been different. Whether it is my own personal journey or the season itself, this Christmas for me isn’t the same. The entire year has been one of resolution; one of realization; one of decidedness. And while this December for me feels unlike any other, it isn’t necessarily bad or better. It’s where I am in life.
The choices of trees were diminishing, it being the 12th. Even though there were others like me – in the late to decorate category – I felt excited about my decision.
“Do you realize there is no top in this tree?” a gentleman asked me, seeing my daughter and I pulling the tree out to examine.
“I do,” I responded confidently.
“It’s why I put it back,” he affirmed.
I smiled.
The employee with the Santa hat reiterated the trees dilemma as I pointed out the one I wanted, and he removed it from the rack. “It’s a shame, really. Otherwise, this tree would be the most beautiful!”
The man who worked the area to wrap the tree in the white mesh took one look at the tree and then at me. “Well, where are you going to put the angel?” he questioned, shaking his head in disbelief not waiting for my answer.
The cashier chimed in as she saw my purchase, “Well, look at that! There’s no tip in the center. Who would want that?”
The manager quickly crossed the floor. “Ma’am, we can discount that tree for you. Nobody wants it. It doesn’t have a center.”
And without hesitation, as if somehow I might change my mind, he marked it down 75%.
Haven’t we all felt like this tree at some point in our lives? We know our full potential but society pushes us aside. Or, we’ve wanted so much to do and be a certain way but because of this or that, we’ve been disqualified.
The greatest part of this story is, that’s what Christmas is all about. Jesus didn’t come to earth for the people who have it all together, He came for those of us who do not. He came for those left with no hope; those in desperation; those who were cast aside and unwanted. He came for those with no center. Those who on the outside look so full and round and beautiful – so perfectly put together – who have no place to put the Star or Angel on top. He came for people like you and me, broken, lonely, tired, and sick.
My husband teased me as he put the tree in its stand, “Forever the rescuer, huh?”
And so it is.
With quite a bit of creativity and our loving touch and decorations, it is now impossible to even know that our tree was ever lacking anything; very similar to what we become when Jesus is our center.
Spread the message of hope, joy, peace, and love this holiday season. It’s all in the reason.
