Introducing The Christmas Tree that Wouldn't!

Once upon a time . . .
Nah!
That is the way those fictional, usually kids' tales begin.
And they are all fantasy, make believe.
This is a true story!
None of it is made up.
The whole thing really happened and I can testify to that fact.
It happened and I know it happened because, to a very large degree, I was the one responsible for actually making it happen.
This is a tale about a Christmas Tree -- a most unusual Christmas Tree, so unusual in fact that it is a story that can even be told as we enter into springtime.
This is a tale that goes back a bit, actually way back, back into the 1970's.
Some who were there when this saga unfolded may still remember it. They may even have told this story to friends, children and grandchildren.
And it is quite likely that those who remember also break into a smile as they remember.
It is a tale that could likely not even happen in our time.
It could not happen because insurance companies just would not let it happen, not anymore!
But back then, in the 1970's it could happen and it did happen.
For this tale to happen, a real tree is required.
And the Christmas Tree that Wouldn't was just that, a real tree.
Fresh cut, green needles, sap still flowing, and an aroma - that fragrant aroma of pine!
So this Christmas Tree that Wouldn't started its story as a freshly cut evergreen brought into the church as a kind of centerpiece decoration for the Christmas Season.
This was back in the 1970's - keep that in mind. Artificial trees were a strange phenomenon at that time.
Ours was a "real" tree.
And it was also unique in that it actually had a double trunk. It stood tall and stately slightly behind the altar.
And, of course, lights made it festive and ornaments as well. It was rich and beautiful. It invited "Ohs" and "Awes."
The lights shone forth finally on Christmas Eve and as the faithful assembled for the Midnight Mass, that tree was there to warmly welcome them.
The beauty of the Season was captured in the beauty of that tree.
The joy in the hearts of the faithful was captured in the joyful presence of that tree.
Throughout the whole of that Christmas Season, from Christmas Eve up to the Epiphany, that tree joined us in joyful celebration.
We welcomed the coming of the long-awaited Lord.
But then the Season came to its end.
The Twelfth Night came and went.
Home decorations were put away for still another time. Neighborhood lights and decorations disappeared. Stores brought out decor of hearts and flowers - Valentine's Day was ahead.
Christmas had ended.
But that tree . . . the double trunked tree . . . well, the decorations came off as was to be expected and the lights came off as was only proper.
But the tree . . .
It still stood there.
It didn't go away.
It wouldn't go away.
It just stood there!


And, obviously, there is more to come . . .


STAY SAFE! STAY HOME!