Christmas Eve of 1855 was a special one for the Murphy family. The Murphy's had three lovely children. James13 the eldest, Jonathan 6, and little baby Melinda who was only two. Let me tell you why that christmas was so special for them.
That fall the rains were few and far between. The land was parched and the inevitable happened. It was mid afternoon when a terrible fire sparked and raged. The forest behind their home was totally destroyed. The family was lucky that their log home and the barn the family had built had not burned down also. Father had warned the children that this year there might not be a christmas tree to grace the hearth, much to the children's dismay. How could they have christmas without a tree? Where was Santa going to put all the presents? Now, James being the eldest no longer believed in Santa Claus, but he did want a tree for christmas. The family had scoured the forest all day, looking for one fir tree that had survived the fire that fall. Their searched revealed only scarred and burnt trees & young new saplings.
The family had decorated the whole house. The stockings were hung above the fireplace, the holly framed the windows and the traditional Murphy wreath that great grandma Murphy made over 60 years ago with the golden ribbons, acorns and mistletoe hung over the front door. The aroma of baked goods filled the home. Aunts, Uncles and cousins had arrived for the festivities. The house was filled with laughter and cheer but no tree.
Father Murphy headed to the barn to feed the animals for the night. In the barn sat little Jonathan on an old tree stump. He was praying. His head bowed and his little hands clasped together. The animals stood to attention. Jonathan prayed for a great big tree with a beautiful angel sitting on the top and for lots of presents and snow. Father Murphy overheard this request and was saddened knowing that his little son would be disappointed.
He quietly took his axe and walked back to the forest to chop some firewood. It had started snowing. Visibility was fast fading. At least one of his son's wishes came true he thought as the crunching of his boots echoed through the forest. He quickly made haste to chop some firewood. He chopped here and there wherever he could find some good wood. He looked up and realized he had ventured to a part of the forest that was untouched by the fire. He was puzzle. how could this be? He stopped, looked up and there right in front of him, like a miracle from God, stood the largest, tallest most beautiful fir tree. Father Murphy whooped with joy. He quickly, gathered his firewood and ran back to the house to tell the Uncles. The Men gathered more axes and a sled to carry the tree home. When they arrived, the children jumped with joy at what they saw. Little Jonathan the happiest of all stared in awe. His wish was granted. It truly was a miracle. The whole family pitched in to decorate the tree. Popcorn strings and velvet clothed balls were hung. Candycane and tinsel completed the job. The best was saved for last. The porcelain angel with gossamer wings lay in its box waiting to take its place on the tree. Who would place it there? Father Murphy turned to Jonathan and handed him the angel. Then he lifted him in his arms to the top of the tree. The child gently placed it so it stood straight and proud. His eyes shined with joy. Everyone in the home gave thanks. They ate, played games, opened presents and sang christmas carols long into the night It was the most beautiful christmas ever. |
