My posts of late have been of lighter content than the
continuing City of Wylie
drama. The reason for this hiatus has
been my need to focus on uplifting happenings.
Right after Thanksgiving, we had a family emergency with my mother and
have since been spending my time with her in the hospital and rehab. Because of this, I am going to continue more
posts relating to the season before continuing the City of Wylie posts, as I
have barely scratched the surface of that saga and for the sake of others and
our little town, it has to be told, but not today.
Now this week, there are two days that have been officially
named and associated with Christmas.
December 9th is Christmas Card Day and December 12th
is National Poinsettia Day. I am
definitely behind on the first, but still can get our poinsettias before the 12th.
I did not even know there was an official Christmas Card
Day. What I read indicates that this day
is in honor of Sir Henry Cole of England. In 1843, Sir Henry engaged J. C. Horsley a painter/illustrator
to create what is recognized as the first official Christmas greeting card for
his family and friends. I am definitely
late in getting my cards ready this year for my family and friends and must get
them ready to mail this week for sure! I
love this tradition that Sir Henry started for us back in 1843.
The poinsettia not only has a national day of recognition,
it too has become the official flower of Christmas, known also as the Star of
Bethlehem flower and Holy Night flower. Its
use to celebrate Christmas in Mexico
dates back to the 17th century.
There are several legends about the glorious red poinsettias. One of the folk stories tells of Pepita, a
poor young Mexican girl that did not have the money to buy Baby Jesus a gift. She was heartbroken and crying when an angel
appeared telling her to gather weeds growing along the roadside. As she cried with her tears falling upon the
weeds, they turned into brilliant red blooms.
The red blooms of the poinsettias represent the blood of Jesus shed on
the cross. The poinsettia is just one of
the many traditional symbols of Christmas that I love to see surrounding us
during this time as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may you
behold all the glory and blessings that come from Him—the reason for this
beautiful season! Let these days bring
you angels, the tinkling of melodic bells, birthday cake, bows and ribbons, the
reverence of candlelight services, candy cane staffs, joyful caroling, Christmas
cards and greetings from afar, Christmas candy and cookies, Christmas pageants
and parades, Fostering Hope, giving gifts, gingerbread men and houses, holly
and berries, hot cider and cocoa to warm you, beautiful icicles and snowflakes,
twinkling lights and candles, the Manger scene, mistletoe and kisses, ornaments,
garlands, tinsel and other adornments, parties galore, the happy revealing of Secret
Santas, the excitement of searching for the first star on Christmas Eve, that
perfect orange in the toe of your stocking, special time with family and
friends, Toys for Tots, glorious trees adorned with beautiful tributes to
Christmas, the warmth of the fireplace and loved ones, welcoming wreaths, the
needs and yearnings of your heart and most of all and especially JESUS.
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