Heaven closes at 10:30 p.m. this time of year, a good hour after Madyson Cornish's bedtime.

That is when Ken Stewart turns the lights off to his 92-foot Christmas tree, which rests in the hills above little Madyson's Cherry Valley house.

Madyson, only 3 years old, is about to spend her first Christmas without her father, and during the month of December the illuminated tree on Stewart's property looks to her like her daddy's Christmas tree in heaven.

"I know why we can't see it from here," shouted Madyson standing in her driveway. "Cause daddy put it behind the moon and the stars."

She scanned the dark hills with wide eyes once more before agreeing with herself and turning to her next activity - teasing the family dogs.

"We were Christmas shopping late one night," said Madyson's mom, Kim Cornish as tears well up. "On the drive home she said it, and it still makes me emotional talking about it."

Tony Cornish died in an off-roading accident in March. And for the first time in three years, Stewart determined this would be the year to resurrect his iron-clad tree, a tradition he began in 1995 and temporarily ended in 2002.

Resembling a air traffic control tower by day, the piece of metal and bulbs turns into an luminous tree by night.

Although his Calimesa property lies about three miles north of the Cornish residence, when darkness engulfs the valley below his home the spectacle can be seen throughout the valley.

"I am absolutely honored to think my Christmas tree is in heaven," said Stewart while standing under an umbrella of the 152 amps of light. "It made it worth all the work of getting it up."

What appears to be a tree floating in heaven, really is an old military tower with light bulbs strung from cables and fastened to the ground. Each cable has its own transformer to support the 175-watt light bulbs.

The $1,500 electricity bill has prompted Stewart to turn the lights off at 10:30 p.m. rather than midnight, but at that time Madyson is fast asleep in her bed.

Stewart would have been oblivious to Madyson's impression had he not delved into conversation with his waitress one morning while getting a daily cup of coffee at The Royale Family Restaurant in Calimesa.

"Ken comes in every morning with a group of friends," said Cornish who waits on tables part-time at The Royale. "I mentioned how much I loved that tree on the hill and he said it was his."

Cornish's comment prompted Stewart to invite the young mother and her family up for a closer look. And although it took Cornish a moment to realize he was not joking, she emotionally declined the offer.

"It is hard to explain heaven to a 3-year-old," said Cornish. "My daughter really thinks that tree is in heaven."

Cornish's close friend Kendra Salot has seen first-hand the comfort Stewart's tree has had on the family during the difficult holiday season.

"For just a millisecond it give me peace," said Salot, who wants to thank Stewart for lighting the spirit this season.

"I never thought I would have this kind of response," said Stewart. "But that is what makes it pretty special."

This was printed in The San Bernardino County Sun newspaper on 12/23/05:

You might already have it, if so, sorry.

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away the tear;
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones; you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.