The world was recovering from WWII when my uncle T. Jeff returned from “Over Seas.” He had served in the U. S. Army Air Corps stationed in Burma. He came home and married a girl he met in Mississippi during his training. Uncle T. Jeff enjoyed being back on the farm. He started using the old Farmall tractor grandaddy had when The War started. Often he would put me on the tractor seat beside him as he tilled the fields. (OSHA would have frowned on that!) I loved it—that tractor was heaven.
Christmas was approaching and I dreamed of a toy tractor under our Christmas tree. Living away out in the country, I did not visit store displays; television was not widely in used, but I had my visions of a toy tractor—under the Christmas tree. The nation was recovering from The War—conditions were meager for all— our lives were meager as well, being a young child, I was unaware of the big picture.
As Christmas drew near, my hopes hung on what Santa Claus would leave under the Christmas tree—a shiny red Farmall tractor was all I could imagine. I didn’t specify the color or the brand—everybody knows that a tractor is a red Farmall. On Christmas Eve, I tried hard to get to sleep, giving Santa Claus plenty of time to bring that tractor. Christmas morning came; my little sister and I dived into what Santa Claus brought; candy, some fruit, and, toys(I think). No tractor. Apparently I was able to hide my disappointment, for soon we left for Christmas dinner at my grandfather’s.
On the way home that night, it occurred to me, “maybe I didn’t look closely enough.” Early the next morning I searched again under and in the tree. No luck. Even after we tossed the tree into the woodpile, I went out there to look a few more times; zilch.
The next year, apparently economic conditions were somewhat better. I had dismissed the tractor idea. On Christmas morning there were two red Farmall tractors under the tree. I was pleased but perplexed. Looking back, I now realize that what my parents could not afford earlier—these two tractors were there to make up for last year’s disappointment.
There could be myriad lessons from that Christmas. The one I take, and think is more valuable is, things often bring disappointment; Joy comes from that deep, inner peace. Oh, things can excite, but that deep, undergirding joy issuing in peace and satisfaction is fecund. You do not produce joy you experience, you receive joy. One of my favorite Christmas Carols is Joy to the World! Come to think about it, Paige’s wedding march was Ode to Joy! by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Luke writes, in his Gospel, of the joy that followed the Shepherds in the field— being afraid—in the tumult of living under the oppressive Roman government and no Messiah in sight—they had great disappointment—and plenty reason to be afraid. As the Angels sang to them, one Angel said, Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.
Today our lives are tossed about by pressures, politics, and pundits. Disappointment hovers ominously. This season of Advent brings assurance that great joy is ours as we lift our hopes above things that disappoint—and will pass away. We give our attention to the only One who can give lasting joy. Isaac Watts wrote the thrilling words— Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023
As usual Willis it was great. At Christmas we got cases of apples, oranges, tangerines, raisins, coconut, bananas, candy and baby dolls. It was great at Christmas time. We would all get in Mama and Daddy’s bed Christmas Eve. 5 girls. How did we do it – Lord only knows. Love to you
Thank you!! Yep. Those were exciting days.