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STORYTELLER: According to legend, on the night of Jesus' birth, the Star of Bethlehem blazed so brightly over the manger that the slumbering earth awoke. Warmed by the star's light, the earth gave birth to a star-shaped flower with pure white petals and golden centers. In Mexico and Central America, the people called it the Flower of the Holy Night.
But when Jesus, God's pure and holy Son, was crucified and died on the cross, the petals changed from snow white to blood red. In the early 19th century, the American ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett, introduced this flower to the United States, where it became known as the poinsettia.
The poinsettia's change of color reminds us of the transformative experience of the journey from Advent to Christmas, and from Christmas to Easter. Snow white and blood red, the poinsettia symbolizes both the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in Christ's birth, and the promise of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection.
READER 1: In the little town of Bethlehem, a Child is born who is the Promised One.
CONGREGATION: Love came down at Christmas.
READER 2: He is born of a woman, but He is the Son of God.
CONGREGATION: Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine.
READER 1: He rules His people in the strength and majesty of the Lord.
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