THE MIRACLE OF THE POINSETTIA!
At Christmas in Mexico, most houses display the
Poinsettia. Just as we have Holly, Misletoe and the Christmas Tree, the
Mexicans have the poinsettia. They believe that the beautiful plant brings a
blessing that will last all year. The tradition has existed since 1834 when a
miracle occurred in a tiny village.
In those days it was customary for people in the villages
to take gifts to the Baby Jesus at Christmas Eve. Little Maria, a poor peasant
girl had no gift, but she did so want to enter the church and see the Baby
Jesus in His crib.
She stood outside, watching others as they entered,
carrying their gifts. Some took food, some took crochet and lacework. Others
carried flowers. But little Maria had nothing. One lady passed her with a huge
bundle of flowers in her arms. As she walked by, a leaf fell from the enormous
bunch and landed at Maria’s feet. She picked it up and thought, “I will take
this leaf”.
Others saw Maria pick up the leaf and smiled as she
carefully wrapped it in her small handkerchief. And then, clutching her tiny
gift, Maria entered the church. She took her place at the end of the line of
people waiting to make their offerings. Then at last, it was Maria’s turn. She
stretched out her arm and carefully opened her fingers to place the leaf on the
altar in front of the crib.
There was a gasp from the adults who had seen Maria fold
the leaf into her tiny handkerchief. For as her fingers separated, it was seen
that the little peasant girl was now holding a beautiful flower. The miraculous
bloom was formed like a star with brilliant scarlet leaves
Word of the miracle spread quickly through the church and
people fell to their knees. The gift of the Poinsettia came to be known as “The
Flower of the Holy Night”.
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