They Make Us Smile

At the time baby Jesus was born many years ago all the people, the animals, and the trees were very happy.   Baby Jesus was born to bring peace and happiness to the whole world.  People came every day to see the little one and to bring him gifts.

Now, there were five trees standing near the manger.   They saw the people, and they wished they also could give gifts to Baby Jesus that everyone called the Christ-child.

The Palm tree said, “I will choose my most beautiful leaf and then place it as a fan over Baby Jesus’ head to keep him out of the hot sun and to cool him.”

“And I,” said the olive tree, “have more olive oil than I need.  I will sprinkle my sweet-smelling oil upon his head.”

The fig tree laughed at the palm and olive tree and said, “Neither of you have tasty fruit like my figs.   I’ll give him my figs to eat.”

The almond tree then joined in and said, “I have almond butter to spread on the breads Jesus will eat.”

“What can I give to the Christ-child?” asked the smaller Fir tree, who stood quietly nearby.

“You!?” shouted the other trees.  "You have nothing to offer him.  Your needles would prick him, and your tears are very sticky and messy.” 

So the poor little Fir tree was very unhappy and said, “Yes, you are right.  I have nothing to offer baby Jesus.”

Now, quite near the trees stood the Christmas Angel who had heard all that the trees had said.   The Angel felt very sorry for the Fir tree that was so sad, and lowly and treated very poorly by the other trees.   Those trees were unkind. The Angel knew the fir tree had a lot to offer.

So, when it was dark, and the stars came out, the Angel asked a few of the closest and smallest stars to come down and rest upon the branches of the Fir tree.  They did as the Angel asked. Suddenly the Fir tree shone with bright and beautiful light.  And at that very moment, Baby Jesus opened his eyes.  He had been asleep – and as the fir tree’s light fell upon him, he smiled and was happy.

Now, every year we remember Jesus’ birthday by giving gifts to each other, and every year in memory of his first birthday, the Christmas Angel places a fir tree in every house.  Covered with starry lights it shines for children just as the stars shone on baby Jesus.  The Fir Tree with all its lights shines on the happy faces of many children.  [end of story]

To parents and grandparents and all who know and love them, children are all like fir trees covered with bright lights,   They light up their lives and make them smile.   They make them happy.    

They also make them remember that Christmas is a special time when we all need to act like the Christmas Angel showing care and compassion for those who are lowly, sad, and in need of a little love – in need of kindness and our help.

And finally, no matter how little or big they may be and even if they don’t think they have much to give, they must be told to know and believe they make the baby Jesus smile.

For those of us with children in our lives, we know is true.   We smile as well.

[Based on homily given at 4:05 Saturday Mass on the story (modified) “How the Fir Tree Became the Christmas Tree”]

Deacon David Pierce