Easter is such a beautiful time of the year to me so I wanted to share a few Easter inspirations with you this week. Although we enjoy fun Easter egg hunts with children, finding that special Easter dress for church, gathering together with family, and other sweet moments in honor of this special day, we also want to really focus on the true meaning of this celebration. The Easter story is such a beautiful reminder of just what all Jesus has done for us and continues to do each day in our lives. I love the story of "The Legend of the Dogwood" …my sister shared it with me, and I wanted to share it with you. You may have heard it before, too, but I think it is the perfect time to read it again and really absorb its message.
The Legend of the Dogwood
Legend has it that 2000 years ago, a tall, strong species of tree grew in the Middle East. Its thick, straight trunk was sought after by the Romans – the rulers of Jerusalem – for building crosses for executions. One day an officer of the Roman court came to the forest and ordered the woodsmen to construct an extra large cross from the best of their trees. "Make it strong and heavy," he said. "The King of the Jews is to be put to death." It was soon delivered.
Shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus, the chief woodsman was alarmed to see that all those great trees had begun to whither and die. In several more years, an amazing transformation had taken place. The great oak-like dogwood trees were gone and in their place were thousands of flowering bushes with short, twisted trunks. You see, the once proud forest giant was mortally anguished. The crucified Jesus, in healing pity said, "Never again will you grow large enough to be used for a cross."
Jesus continued saying, "Henceforth, your trunk will be thin and twisted, with white blossoms having four petals in the shape of a cross. The outer edge of each petal will show nail prints stained with red, and the center will be like a crown of thorns as a reminder to all." So ends the Legend.
But, as we know, at Easter tide, dogwood blossoms burst forth in glorious beauty.
P.S. One thing that is not included in the Legend is that in the fall, the dogwood produces clusters of blood-red berries, each shaped like a drop of blood!
I have always loved dogwood trees, and my parents have a few in their yard. They have some of the pink dogwood trees that are my favorite (of course!). I can remember being a little girl and waiting with anticipation for the first sign of the blossoms…I knew spring was blooming!
I hope your week is filled with many Easter blessings!
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