THE LEGEND OF THE TREE

TOLD BY PRISCILLA WOLF

When the world was young, the lord saw good everywhere over the earth. He created the trees to represent the roots of all who would be born, as time passed. The quest to obey began, All trees stood tall & proud & green Then the days began. One...two...three...four... five...Oh ! on the sixth day, the Water Spirit began tempting the trees, begging, "Drink me, drink me, drink me..."The waves of the water reached out like huge arms, wrapping themselves around the trees. Luring them to lower their heads to drink, temptation began to set in." Oh, how good the water feels," murmured the trees." Drink me, ---drink me, drink me," whispered the water, “you cannot live without me."Well, “remarked many of the trees, " One day shouldn't make a difference." “NO--No!" exclaimed the pine trees. “You must not drink the water. You must obey God!"

But the other trees didn't listen & began drinking the water. The Spirit of the Pine Trees was deeply saddened, by the sight of the other trees disobeying the lord's command. On the seventh day, God returned to the earth. Although he already knew the answer, he asked, “Did you all serve me for seven days?" “Well...No.." replied most of the trees. “We didn't think one day would make a difference."But the Pine Trees--the evergreens-- standing proud, said, "yes..yes.. we obeyed your command & served you well for all of the seven days."" To this God replied, “I will show you that I have power over all. For the one day you lost your faith in me, you shall lose one season, and it will be named Fall.

Come Spring you will regain your colors." But the Pine tree-- the evergreen-- shall remain green all year around & will never thirst. It will be seen all over the world, at the top of the highest mountain, to remind all people of the good on earth - & the presence of the Lord. And so, God gave the Pine tree to the human race, to use on Christmas day to celebrate him, & to remind us that all goodness comes from God. The lord left his blessings on the Pine trees-- & he brought the shiniest star from heaven to appear over them!