Flowers of the Holy Spirit: Pointing to Jesus

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.—Matthew 5:16

It caught my eye as soon as I entered the store. I swooped it up and paid the cashier. When I returned home, I placed the stunning red poinsettia in the center of my dining table. Immediately its cheery color brightened the room. As I gazed at its beauty, I wondered how it became a popular Christmas decoration. I knew it originated from Mexico, but that was about all. Could its name have been derived from its pointed leaves?

With a few keystrokes, I soon learned of the old Mexican legend of the Flowers of the Holy Night. According to Nowak (2024), a young girl named Pepita was sad she had no gift to leave for Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services. Her cousin tried to encourage her, saying Jesus would love anything from her, even the smallest gift. With no money to buy a real present, Pepita picked a bouquet of weeds on her way to church. She left the weeds at the bottom of the church’s nativity scene. Suddenly, the weeds transformed into beautiful red flowers. Whether true or not, it’s a sweet story—and a good reminder for us to give to Jesus whatever we have on hand, our time, talent, or treasures, and watch Him turn it into a thing of beauty (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

I also learned my speculation was wrong. The plant did not get its name from its pointed leaves. Once called cuetlaxochitl by the indigenous Mexica people, the plant was used for medicinal purposes and for making red dye. It was named poinsettia in 1833 for the first U. S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. Also a skilled botanist, Poinsett sent some of the plants to South Carolina, where they were propagated, distributed, and eventually marketed as a Christmas decoration.

It was interesting to read that the star-shaped leaf pattern of the poinsettia is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color symbolizes Jesus’ blood shed on the cross. With that being said, I say the pointed-leaf poinsettia points to Jesus.

Jesus created the poinsettia. “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). The poinsettia was masterfully crafted—the shape of its leaves, its color, and its medicinal properties—all created on purpose for a purpose.

You too have been masterfully crafted, fearfully and wonderfully made, every detail knit together in your mother’s womb on purpose for a purpose (Psalm 139:13-16). You may not have pointed leaves and your skin may not be bright red, but if Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you have everything you need to point others to Him. Shine brightly; catch their eyes. Offer what’s in your hand, and watch God use it for something beautiful.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for creating me just the way You did. May I glorify You in using my gifts to point others to You. Amen.

 

Nowak, Claire. “This Is Why Poinsettias Are the Official Christmas Flower.” Reader’s Digest, 23 September 2024, https://www.rd.com/article/poinsettias-official-christmas-flower/. Accessed 4 December 2024.