Wednesday, December 12, 2012

THE CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA


2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

DID YOU KNOW:
Joel Robert Poinsett, amateur botanist and first ambassador to Mexico, first introduced poinsettias to the United States in 1825. He introduced the plant to the United States when he brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.
December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, an official day set aside to enjoy this symbol of holiday cheer. It was established upon the death of Mr. Poinsett to honor him and the plant he made famous. He died in 1851.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered some weeds she found along the road. As she approached the altar, a miracle happened: The weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena - Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.

Thinking about this legend, what can be applied to our lives today?
1. The little girl, Pepita in our story desired to humbly give something to Jesus.
    How is our giving to the Lord? Are we humble and giving to the Lord because
    we love him and desire to give Him our offering?
2. The cousin Pedro is full of encouragement and hope. Are you an encourager?
    Do people run to you for encouragement and wisdom?
3. Even though Pepita only had a small humble gift when she came to the altar
    the main focus here is she came and was not empty-handed. We are told in
    Scripture to bring our offering to the Lord according to our blessing. If you have
    been blessed (and I know you have) give to the Lord with a thankful heart
    according to your blessing.
    Deuteronomy 16:17
    "All must give as they are able, according to the blessing given to them by the Lord"
4.In the story, a small child gave the first red poinsettia to the Lord.                                                                  
   All of us are required to come to the LORD as a child and accept this great gift
   of love and salvation from God.
   Have you accepted this gift so miraculous and wonderful? Have you accepted
   Jesus into your heart and life as your Savior?
       
Now is the best time to surrender your heart and soul to the Lord Jesus Christ.
When you receive Jesus into your life and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior of your life you will be changed forever. 
John 3:16-17
“God so loved the world that he gave His only son….”

On that Holy Christmas night God gave the greatest Christmas gift of all.
Will you receive this gift and become a child of the King of Heaven and Earth.
God gave not because he had to but because He loved us.
What will you do with this wonderful indescribable gift this Christmas?

Dear Lord,
I want to keep the real meaning of Christmas in my life this Christmas and forever. I need help. I can’t do this life on my own. I need a Savior. I need You, Lord Jesus. Come into my life and change me into the person You created me to be. With all my heart I want to give to you my life this Christmas. Come Lord Jesus!
In Your precious name only do I pray, Amen
           

   

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