The Poinsettia

 

Photo by Andy Grizzell on Unsplash

"...Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him." - Matthew 2:2

There is one flower that reminds us of a star and there was a star that pointed some people outside of Israel’s fold and covenant to the Savior of the world. God uses all sorts of means to draw people to Himself.

Christmas flowers are special gifts.

For one thing, we do not expect to have many flowers in the winter.

For another, they remind us that Christmas is a colorful season that touches the deepest beauty of our noblest aspirations and sentiments.

Poinsettias became associated with Christmas in 16th-century Mexico.

There was a legend of a girl named Pepita who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. According to the story, an angel inspired her to gather weeds and place them in front of the church altar. The crimson blossoms that sprouted became poinsettias. 

The bright red flowers were known as the “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

A former Ambassador to Mexico named, Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced them to America. Later planters and business opportunists built on the legend and cultivated the flowering plants we have today, named for

The star-shaped leaf on the Poinsettia is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. The red color represents the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for our sins.

Whether or not there is any truth in the legend, the story points to God’s provision for a gift of worship through a humble child and God’s gift to the world for our salvation through the coming of the Christ child.

We do not always know the story behind our traditions. We may not always know what they symbolize, but they usually mean something and knowing their meaning can add depth to our celebrations.

Father, may I never look at a flower or anything in Thy creation

Without looking deeper,

Seeking deeper,

Seeing the unseen,

And discovering new wonders about Thee.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.