The Healing Tree: A Modern, Christmas Parable
What’s inside...
Once upon a Christmas in the land of Arizona, an essential oil farmer plants a frankincense seed in his greenhouse. The seed enjoys the farmer’s loving care until it goes dark. The seed, now unable to see the farmer’s goodness, faces uncertainty about its destiny. Will it be abandoned to the shadows or fulfill its purpose? In this modern-day parable, the seed eventually transforms into a shrub and plays a crucial role as a gift to the King of Kings, illustrating the true meaning of the reason for the season.
Age
4-18
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story show kindness and empathy towards each other?
Why do you think the healing tree was so important to the community?
What did you learn about helping others from this story?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the main character?
What are some ways we can create our own 'healing tree' in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them how they have helped someone or felt supported by others. Emphasize the importance of community and togetherness highlighted in the book. Use examples from the story to discuss the impact of kind gestures, no matter how small. Lastly, inspire creative thinking by asking your child to imagine their own version of a 'healing tree' and what it would represent.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and compassion
Explanation: In 'The Healing Tree', characters demonstrate kindness by helping each other and sharing in the community's burdens, symbolized through the nurturing of a tree that thrives on care and attention.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in acts of kindness such as sharing with their peers or helping out at home, fostering a positive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases characters who continue to care for the tree despite challenges, representing perseverance towards a meaningful goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to stay committed to their tasks, such as completing homework or learning a new skill, even when it seems difficult.
Example Lesson: The power of community support
Explanation: Characters in the book come together to save the tree, which illustrates the strength of a community working towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to actively participate in community activities and understand how their contributions can make a difference.
Example Lesson: The impact of generosity
Explanation: The Healing Tree flourishes as the characters selflessly give what they can to help, emphasizing that generosity can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be generous, perhaps by donating toys or sharing resources with those who might need them more.
Example Lesson: Healing through forgiveness
Explanation: As the community comes together around the tree, old grievances are forgiven, showcasing healing through forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to forgive past wrongs from their peers and focus on building positive and supportive friendships.