Signs of Christmas

Not far from where I grew up in Delaware is the northeast corner town of Claymont.  Where a tradition of the past generation started on a slow news day in 1993.  When a local newspaper photographer captured an image of a wild fir tree growing out of the cracked pavement of Philadelphia Pike.  Neighbors and motorists in passing had adorned it with a few modest ornaments. The photo was dubbed “the Christmas weed” in the headline.  And did the 90s equivalent of going viral.

Unfortunately, the photo caught the eye of officials at the Delaware Department of Transportation, who considered it a potential traffic hazard and scheduled it for prompt removal.  The DOT’s Scrooge-like response escalated a community outcry.  Until the order was rescinded.  

Over thirty years later, Claymont celebrates the weed with decorations and a parade of cheerleaders, marching bands, and fire trucks.  Resident Barbara Harbin, who organizes the festivities, explains: We say it represents Claymont.  We're not pretty, but we're plucky.  We are resilient, and we keep coming back.

Reminiscent of a quirky Christmas song, which started out as an advertising gimmick.  In 1939 Montgomery Ward tapped advertising executive Robert May to write a poem that their store Santa Claus could give away to children who came to visit him.  About a reindeer with a shiny nose. 

Rudolph's story came to musical life in 1949 when May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, wrote the music. After it was turned down by Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, singing cowboy Gene Autry recorded it.  Today "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is the highest-selling Christmas carol, at more than 25 million units.

The Claymont Weed and the Red-nosed Reindeer both show pluckiness and resilience.  But more to the point is something like grace.  To adorn an accidental tree so out-of-place.  To choose what was most needed for Santa’s annual sleigh ride.            

Reminding us in a whimsical way, of the grace of a heavenly Father who “chose the lowly and despised things of this world” (1 Corinthians 1) to accomplish his purposes.  Who chose an out-of-the-mainstream place in the world and a poor working-class family for his son’s home.  And who chooses some of those farthest from the beautiful or movers and shakers – like you and me – to share his message of glory and hope.