I want my children grow up to celebrate Christmas for the right reasons. We attended all the church functions surrounding the holiday with the pageantry and the concerts. Shawn has been in multiple cantatas down through the years and the girls had parts in plays. We lit the candles and sang the songs. There was that tree with all the shiny lights and balls. What does that tree have to do with a manger, shepherds, wise-men and a Savior? Let me tell you about the story, God’s Three Trees.

Why a Christmas Tree?

I have an acquaintance who does not erect a Christmas tree. He believes it is a tradition handed down from pagans and as such constitutes an idol. It is not allowed in his home. We have freedom to choose in America, and I try not to judge other’s beliefs. The tree seems harmless enough to me. My friend’s conviction drove me to do some serious thinking. Why do we light up the tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Is there any spiritual significance or is my friend correct that I have compromised my faith? Can I teach my children anything about God with that tree?

Favorite Christmas movies

I love some of the older Christmas movies. and the stories they tell. “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” are favorites.  We watch them in traditional black and white format!  There is one story I love more than the rest, though, and that is the story of “God’s Three Trees”. It is a traditional folk tale with many variations depending on where you grew up and who told the story. After the tree is up, all the house lights are turned off and a couple of candles are lit. We gather around the tree, and I read this story. It reminds us that Christmas is all about the cross of Calvary. Jesus, the Greatest Gift ever given, came to be our Savior.

One of our Christmas traditions

Parents, I want to share this traditional folk tale with you. Here’s a PDF file with the text. I have added an MP3 recording of the story to make it easier to share. Here are the links.

PDF of the story text: God’s Three Trees

MP3 Audio File of the story: God’s Three Trees

We have 3 simple paper bags we made to go along with the story as shown in the photos. Inside are 3 simple cut outs that go along with the story. The objects help the kids pay close attention. As the story unfolds they can pull out their object. Kids love to participate.

Give “God’s Three Trees” a try with your family and let us know how it goes.