Some believe the poinsettia also has a Christian significance. Although we now think of the poinsettia as a distinctive American symbol, one tale suggests that it was first brought to this country by Dr. Joel Poinsett from Mexico. It was in 1825 that Poinsett, then U.S. Minister to Mexico, became familiar with this beautiful crimson plant that covers the hillsides in Mexico. After four years, he returned to his Charleston, S.C., home and brought with him some of the plants. The Mexicans call it the "flower of the holy night," and associate it with a story about a little girl who wept on her way to church on Christmas Eve because she had no gift to bring.
As she knelt on the ground to pray, she saw this lovely plant and gladly took its red beauty into the church as her Christmas gift to the Christ child. Even the holly plant can be viewed as a symbol that points Christians to Jesus. For centuries, holly symbolized the coming of spring.
Its thorny leaves prompted Christians to use it as a reminder of Christ's passion during the joyous Christmas celebration.
Legend has it that a shepherd brought a sprig of holly to the stable on Christmas night as a gift to the Christ child. Its leaves glistened in the moonlight, and its berries were snow white.
As baby Jesus reached out to receive this humble gift, the berries suddenly turned a deep red. Holly has since become a symbol for many of the expectation of Christ's passion. The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, which Christ wore during his crucifixion, and the berries symbolize the blood Christ shed for humanity. hope is these legends will bring Christian significance to a holiday that has become so secular. May you not look at a Christmas tree or a holly plant or a poinsettia in the same way again.
My Christmas wish is that when you look at these various symbols of Christmas, you will not only appreciate their beauty, but also see the face of Jesus Christ.
Warm Winter Blessings ...and Merry Christmas
Sara
