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Every year for Christmas I send poinsettias to a few special people in my life, and I buy a few for our home (which die quickly because I forget to water them). I always think about the legend of this Christmas flower because, when I was the children’s book editor for Paulist Press, I worked on a beautiful book by Brian Cavanaugh (illustrated by Dennis Rockhill) called “Miracle of the Poinsettia.”
It goes like this: a young girl named Maria wanted to make a special gift to present to the Baby Jesus (part of the creche) with the other children at the church celebration on Christmas Eve. She tried to weave a blanket, but her yarns became entangled. Christmas Eve came and she had nothing to give.
“I tried and tried to make something beautiful,” she cried, “but instead I ruined it.”
“Maria,” a voice said, “the Baby Jesus will love whatever you give because it comes from your heart.”
She decided to fill her arms with weeds from the tall grass outside the church and offer those. When she arrived at the church and saw all the other lavish gifts, she became embarrassed of her offertory. She tried to hide behind a pillar, but the priest saw her and invited her forward.
When Maria reached the Christmas crèche, she bowed her head in prayer and let the weeds fall out of her manto.
“Look at those glorious flowers!” cried the crowd. Now each weed was topped with a vibrant red star. Even the ones outside.
Maria’s love had created a miracle.
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Therese J. Borchard writes the daily blog, Beyond Blue, on Beliefnet and is a regular contributor to the award-winning blog, World of Psychology, on Psych Central. Therese is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Subscribe to Beyond Blue, visit her website, or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.
Meet others on the journey in
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Therese J. Borchard writes the daily blog, Beyond Blue, on Beliefnet and is a regular contributor to the award-winning blog, World of Psychology, on Psych Central. Therese is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Subscribe to Beyond Blue, visit her website, or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.
posted December 28, 2006 at 3:10 am
I don’t know how BeliefNet put me on their list but your insight into this “condition” has given me hope – you have become an icon on my desktop – keep up the good work…
posted December 28, 2006 at 10:58 am
That a beautiful legend. I have another beautiful legend. This is my inspiration; not the legend; the verses.( I’m sorry for my English I speak Spanish) Red Poinsettias for the King The poinsettia was in vigilance Since it had nothing to offer To the awaited messiah That had just been born king! Hence, it said a prayer to its creator So that with his immense love, He would grant it something To offer to the child, our Lord: God, my leaves are but only green, Since I have never bloomed And I have nothing to offer To this child, who is our king! And then God answered: My dear, turn your leaves to the star That has guided the three wise men And you shall find them transformed! Then, the poinsettia felt the warmth Of that blessed star light Which gave color to its leaves To present to the baby Jesus; And since that very day The poinsettia shows off its hue… A beautiful and intense red which is the product of God’s love. by: Maria del Carmen Roman
posted December 28, 2006 at 5:54 pm
The Legend of the Poinsettia is a true miracle to believe in at Christmas Time.
posted May 24, 2008 at 8:37 am
Maria:
I like you poem dear you are very nice in english you doing good Congrats
Luis