The Easter Legend of the Dogwood

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew 
To a stately size and a lovely hue. 
'Twas strong and firm it's branches interwoven 
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen. 
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood 
Christ made a promise which still holds good: 
"Never again shall the dogwood grow 
Large enough to be used so. 
Slender and twisted, it shall be 
With blossoms like the cross for all to see. 
As blood stains the petals marked in brown 
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown. 
All who see it will remember Me 
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. 
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be 
A reminder to all of my agony."

author unknown

Whether the legend of the Dogwood is true or not, the dogwood blossoms give us a wonderful way to do what Deuteronomy 6 says: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." 

This is but another example of how our God cares about the tiny details of the world. Even the Dogwoods sing His praise by representing His cross in each and every bloom!

So sometime this week, find a dogwood blossom and use it as an illustration to tell your child the story of Christ's death and resurrection.
Linked to Six Word Saturday, Motivate Me Monday, Happy Monday Bloghop and Makes My Monday.