“A joyous heart heals like medicine.” ~ Proverbs 17:22
A Christmas miracle in August? Wait!
Whaat?
Amid the parched scrub of northern Arizona, a tree grows
proudly in the median of I-17’s freeway.
The 20-foot juniper is nearly as wide as it is tall. They're common in these parts, but this one stands
alone; surrounded only by low grasses and rocks. It looks out of place, as if waiting to cross
the highway in search of its brethren.
For over 30 years, the juniper mysteriously transforms
itself into a symbol Christmas cheer. Huge
ornaments, candy canes, and even a giant star mysteriously appear on its
branches. No one knows for sure who does
it. One evening before Thanksgiving the
decorations appear. After New Year’s Day
they’re quietly removed. A crude rain
barrel irrigation system is also suspected to have been installed by the
unknown tree guardian(s).
Northern Arizona’s ‘badlands’ aren't known as a Christmas
destination. Rather, they’re known for
wildfires. The tiniest spark can spread
angrily, destroying all in its path. Flames
whip the sky, launching embers that ride the wind until they cling to something
flammable. A juniper tree is an easy
target.
In August 2011, a wildfire broke out 200 feet south of the
“Mystery Tree” forcing the highway’s closure.
Onlookers watched in horror as flames crept closer to their beloved tree.
The fire burned surrounding vegetation and scorched some of
the tree’s lower branches. It got close
enough to melt the tree's plastic irrigation tubing.
But the flames died within a few yards of the "Mystery
Tree." It survives today.
Some claim it was protected by nearby rocks or by wind
currents. Maybe it was just dumb luck. Surely
God has more important things to worry about than some tree in a very secluded
spot.
But for locals, their juniper tree was a sign of hope. If its survival wasn’t a miracle, it definitely
gave them something to smile about during challenging times.
The state’s official balladeer even celebrated the kindness
of the person or persons decorating the scrub tree by writing a ballad called "Scrubby”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XUdyws_1aI
bringing themes of peace, love and even the birth of Christ into the last verse:
“Hopefully the mystery of
Scrubby will never be solved. Let’s let
it be, the identity of whomever is involved.
For it shows the joy of giving, in a pure and selfless way. Like the baby Jesus gave to us, on that first
Christmas day.” ~ Dolan Ellis (2013)
He nailed it!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the tidings
of great joy and peace that floods the hearts of all who are called by Your
name. Help me to share this joy of
knowing Jesus with all those who You place in my path. Amen
