Legand of the Poinsettia

We have a special treat for you today! Our guest blogger is our own TCE Program Director, Lynne Herlein. Lynne has written some thoughts about the beautiful Christmas flower, the poinsettia. We trust you will enjoy reading her post and that it will help you further enjoy the beauty of this season.

Do you enjoy seeing the festive lights and decorations at Christmas? I do! Lights, trees, Christmas ornaments, manger scenes, candy canes, etc. begin popping up sometime in November and everywhere we turn we are reminded of Christmas.

One Christmas decoration we see a lot are the festive potted poinsettias. Their showy display of red and green seem custom-made for Christmas. But have you ever wondered how the poinsettia became part of our Christmas tradition?

The poinsettia was found growing wild in Mexico by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, America’s first foreign minister to Mexico. In the late 1820’s, the avid gardener brought this flower, known as the “Flower of the Holy Night,” with him to the U.S. The flower later came to be known by the name we call it today, “Poinsettia.” The following is a legend that has come to be part of the story of the poinsettia.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Many years ago in Mexico there lived a little girl named Pepita. Pepita and her cousin, Pedro, were very poor. It was nearly Christmas so, as usual, a manger scene was on display at the church. All of the children talked excitedly about what gifts they wantedto bring to the Christ child on Christmas Eve. However, because Pepita andPedro had no money, they had nothing they could bring to lay at the manger.

Christmas Eve arrived and, rather than feeling joyful as she walked towards the service, Pepita was very sad. Pedro saw the sadness and said, “I’m sure that even the most humble gift, given in love, will be acceptable in his eyes.” Not sure what to do, but believing her cousin, Pepita stopped and picked some common weeds along the roadside and formed them into a bouquet of sorts.

As Pepita walked towards the manger she remembered the words Pedro had spoken and humbly laid her “bouquet” at the manger. Suddenly, the bouquet burst into beautiful red flowers. The people attending the service that night felt as if they had witnessed a Christmas miracle! From that time on the flowers were known as the “Flower of the Holy Night” because they bloomed each Christmas.

Although this is merely a legend, the message is applicable today. Perhaps this year has been especially difficult for you. With the recession came loss of jobs or cutbacks. Perhaps you have had personal or family struggles, lost a loved one or heard devastating news about your health. At times the harshness of life may have nearly robbed you of your joy. It may be that your gift-giving is going to be a bit sparse this year...and it brings a certain sadness because you want to do more than you are able. It may be helpful to remember the nugget of truth found in Pedro’s wise words: “...even the most humble gift, given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.”

We often say that Christmas isn’t about the gifts, but has it become that to us? What kinds of things could you do this Christmas that show your love for Christ to others? Perhaps it is giving baked goods or spending time doing things the people you love enjoy (reading books, playing games, watching a movie, taking a walk, sharing a cup of coffee.) Maybe it is volunteering to help those who are less fortunate.

Perhaps you can share the good news of Christmas with the children who live around you or send a note of encouragement to your TCE graduates. Maybe you have received a blessing that could be shared with someone else...making it even more special! Although your “bouquet” may not spring forth into beautiful red flowers...it will be received with love and joy, and Christ will be pleased because your gift was given in love.

We are so thankful for each of you, our IOTs, and the gift you are to our ministry. Thank you for giving your time and creativity to your TCE students. They have surely benefitted from your “bouquets!”

Peace on Earth

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men” (Luke 2:14).

Peace is rare in our world! According to the Personnel Journal, “Less than 8% of the time since the beginning of recorded time has the world been entirely at peace.” Now that’s a depressing thought!

One observer put it this way: “Peace is the brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading.” (Lloyd Cory, Quote Unquote)

So, what happened to the peace promised by the angels on the night of our Savior’s birth? It is not a peace brought about by a treaty between nations. This is a peace given to individuals. It is a deep, inner calm in the hearts of those who know the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their Savior.

Knowing the peace of God doesn’t mean living free of stress and pressure! God’s inward peace comes in the midst of trouble. It is what keeps us level when all around us is tilted by turmoil. Theologian A.T. Pierson said, “The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be reached by any external disturbances.” This is not a peace understood by the world. That’s why there is so little peace in our world! But it is a peace available to every person who seeks it.

Contrary to what some people think, being in ministry does not automatically guarantee a peaceful path! Preparing classes and working with TCE students, along with all the other things you do in ministry can be stressful and exhausting! But as you look back over this past year, can you trace the peace of God in your life, even through the stressful times? And isn't it wonderful to know that His peace goes with us into 2010!

As we enter this most special season, our prayer for you is that the peace of God would rule in your heart, in your home and in your place of ministry. No matter what the year ahead may hold, may our Lord Jesus Christ fill you with His heavenly peace!