“It is no Tree of Death,” answered Tom. “See—here is the first fir-cone; it is alive, and bears seed. It is no Tree of Death, but a Tree of Life.”
Then Tom laughed.
“Mary,” said he, “I think for once in my life I’ve said a good thing.”
But Mary did not applaud.
“Tom, do you think the little fir-cone really has life in it?”
“Of course it has.”
Mary picked it, and then put it into the tiny hand of the baby.
“Look, Tom,” she said. “But for that Christmas tree you and I would never have become what we are to each other—and now, in it is the seed of life, and so on and on and on for evermore. Our baby has it, and it shall be sown, and so—really, Tom, there seems to be no end to life; it goes on for ever and for ever!”
“Amen,” responded Tom.