Yuki’s Christmas Tree
Story By
Harrison Woodard
Illustrations By
Donna Rosin
Boris teaches a young squirrel the joy of Christmas and proves once again just how much God loves us. A Christmas story for kids of all ages that reminds us that if we believe, there is nothing God can’t do.
May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. — Psalm 20:4-5 NLT
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” — Mark 11:22-25 NLT
It was Christmastime again in Whispering Pines. The Matney home was decorated with lights and stockings. The tree, covered with lights and ornaments, was sitting in front of the window for all to see.
Boris loved taking naps near the tree. He would curl up under the tree and dream of adventures in the woods.
On one such evening, Boris was fast asleep when he heard God’s voice,
“Boris, wake up.”
“What?” asked Boris.
“Someone outside needs you,” said God.
Boris crept around the tree and peeked out the window. There was a young squirrel sitting on a low limb staring at the Christmas tree. Boris made his way to his pet door and ran around the house.
“Hello friend!” said Boris.
The squirrel was startled by a cat’s voice so close and started racing up the tree.
“Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you,” shouted Boris. “My name is Boris. What’s yours?”
“I’m Yuki,” said the squirrel.
“Would you like to come inside and get a closer look?” asked Boris. “My parents are gone.”
Yuki nodded and the two made their way around the house and through the pet door.
“Have you ever seen a Christmas tree before?” asked Boris.
“What is Christmas?” asked Yuki.
“Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s Son,” said Boris. “Every year humans
decorate trees in honor of his birth.”
Yuki walked around the tree and looked at all the ornaments and lights.
“Its so beautiful,” said Yuki. “Its in honor of God’s Son? How could God have a Son?”
“God gave himself on that first Christmas because He loves us so much,” said Boris. “There’s nothing that God can’t do.”
Yuki thought about what Boris said, “Well, I better get back to the forest.”
She paused at the pet door and said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if the animals had a Christmas tree out there in the forest?”
“It sure would,” said Boris.
“Goodnight Boris!” said Yuki. “Thanks for letting me see your tree.”
“Goodbye!” said Boris.
Boris sat there thinking about what Yuki said. He now knew why God had brought them together.
The next day Boris and his friends gathered at the park.
“Do you guys know a squirrel named Yuki?” asked Boris.
“Yes, I met her the other day. Her parents disappeared earlier this year. She lives by herself in the forest,” said Taffy.
Montana added, “Some of the animals have adopted her and watch out for her. Why do you ask?”
“She came by my house last night to see my Christmas tree. She had never seen one before,” said Boris. “I thought it might be fun to make one for her in the forest.”
“That’s a great idea,” said Buddy. “There’s a tree on top of Reed’s Hill that would be perfect!”
The four split up and told all the animals in the area the plan. They all agreed it was a wonderful idea. Before long animals from all over were bringing berries, bows, colored paper and anything else they could find for the tree. Boris supervised the decoration and by Christmas Eve the tree was covered in colorful decorations.
All the animals stood around the tree and admired their work. Never in their lives had they seen such a beautiful tree in the forest.
“Taffy, go find Yuki and bring her here,” said Boris.
Taffy scampered off and within minutes returned with Yuki.
“Merry Christmas, Yuki!” shouted all the animals.
Yuki walked around the tree.
“It’s so beautiful!” said Yuki. “Merry Christmas to all of you!”
The animals sang Christmas carols until the sun went down. And then they left for home. Only Yuki and Boris remained.
“Boris, something is missing from the tree,” said Yuki.
“What is that?” asked Boris.
“Your tree was covered with beautiful lights. Do you think we could get lights for our tree?” asked Yuki.
“Well…” said Boris
“You said that there is nothing God can’t do. Why can’t we ask him to light our tree?” asked Yuki.
Boris thought the request was a little strange, but he didn’t want to disappoint Yuki.
“God, thank you for providing lights for our tree,” prayed Boris.
“Amen,” said Yuki. “It will be the prettiest tree ever when God is finished.”
“Goodnight Yuki. And Merry Christmas,” said Boris as he headed home leaving Yuki still admiring the tree.
On the way home Boris thought about their prayer. How would God light a tree in the middle of the forest?
“Boris,” said God. “When you trust me, everything is possible. Do you really believe I can do this?”
“I know you can, but I was just wondering how?” asked Boris.
“I just need your faith. You leave the details to me,” said God.
Boris was satisfied with the answer. He made it back to his house and settled down near the fireplace for a good night’s sleep. Christmas morning was only a few hours away.
“Boris, wake up!” said Yuki.
Boris looked up to see Yuki standing over him.
“You’ve got to come see the tree. God lit it! He really did!” shouted Yuki.
Boris jumped up and the two ran to the tree. During the night, some snow had fallen covering the tree. The clouds briefly cleared and the bright full moon was shining down on the tree causing the snow to sparkle.
“That’s just the moonlight reflecting off the snow,” said Boris.
“But watch,” said Yuki.
Just then the clouds returned and the moonlight disappeared. But the light from the tree grew brighter. It was God’s glory filling the tree and lighting the entire hilltop.
“Wow!” exclaimed Boris.
“See, you were right. There’s nothing God can’t do!” said Yuki.
As the two sat their admiring God’s handiwork, they were joined by the other animals that came to see what was happening. They gathered around the tree and quietly praised God for His love.
No Christmas tree in Whispering Pines had ever been, or will ever be so beautiful.
THE END
Search for Other Christian Web Sites.
© Harrison Woodard Illustrations © Donna Rosin All rights reserved. No reproduction or retransmission by any means allowed without the express written consent of the author and illustrator. See Legal Info for details.