The Poinsettia

It is hard to describe the indescribable. Jesus tried many times to explain to the disciples and anyone else who would listen what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. He once said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32). In other words, sometimes the most seemingly insignificant, smallest of things can make a difference far beyond our wildest imagining. Similarly, as we continue to look at Christmas decorations this month on Food 4 Thought, I want to share with you the legend of the poinsettia. It goes like this.

There was once a poor Mexican girl called Maria who had no present to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. She was sad as she walked to the chapel with her cousin Pablo. Pablo tried to cheer her up. “Maria,” he said, “Don’t be sad. I’m sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus happy.”

Maria didn’t have anything, and she had no idea what she could give. As they walked along, she saw on the side of the road some weeds. Maria stopped and picked them. Fashioning them into a small bouquet. She was embarrassed to have such a gift to present to the baby Jesus but as she entered the chapel, she tried to remember what Pablo had told her and she began to feel a little better. When Maria got to the altar, she knelt down and placed her bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds was transformed as it burst into bright red flowers! Everyone who saw this take place was certain they had just witnessed a miracle.

From that day on, the bright red flowers became known as the “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.” Today, the plant is known as a poinsettia. It was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico. He is credited with introducing the plant to the U.S. in the 1820s.

The poinsettia flower symbolizes a few things. First, the shape of the flower and leaves remind us of the Star of Bethlehem which the Wise Men followed to worship Jesus. The red leaves symbolize the blood of Christ.

Faith is a powerful thing. Faith made Peter able to walk on water. Faith healed a woman after bleeding for twelve years. Jesus told the disciples faith could move mountains, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” (Mark 11:22). Yes, faith can move a mountain of challenges, adversities, hardships, or difficulties. Faith in the hands of Jesus can do the miraculous. Ask Maria. Her faith saw weeds turn into flowers.    

If you are struggling with something this Christmas season, have faith. God will walk with you through it. You don’t have to have much. The faith of a tiny mustard seed or bouquet of weeds is all God needs to do something extraordinary.

As you look at a poinsettia plant this Christmas, may it remind you of the true miracle of Christmas…the Christ Child…and that holy night so long ago.

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Remember you can email praises and petitions to southchurchprayer@gmail.com. I lift them up every Wednesday at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live.