Sea of Red

While I was shopping, I stepped into the garden center for some potting soil. To my surprise, before me was a sea of red poinsettias that filled the aisles. Typically you see a few white and pink ones in the mix, but these were all bright red. It was so beautiful that it took me by surprise.

Since it is our first year spending Christmas in Florida, I couldn’t resist purchasing a small one for my Christmas tree. Even though we had Christmas with the kids and grandkids before traveling south, I feel like something is missing. I have to admit, having the poinsettia on my table has brightened my spirits.

Looking at the poinsettia, there is nothing spectacular about it. It is a small one. The pot is just a plain black plastic pot, there isn’t even foil around it to make it more decorative. I take it to the sink for water when needed, and set it back in a bowl on the table. To me it is beautiful and it reminds me that Jesus is a reason for the season.

Like my plain and simple pot, Jesus was a plain and simple man. He was born in a stable and raised in a carpenter’s home. He wasn’t adorned in royal robes, yet when His birth was prophesied, He was called the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

You and I thirst for both physical water and spiritual water. We long for Jesus to fill our spiritual needs and come to the fountain of life often to quench our thirst.

I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. (Psalm 143:6)

The red poinsettia, represents the blood Jesus shed for everyone’s sins. He was beaten, scorned, and a painful crown of thorns was placed upon His head.

The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head. (John 19:2)

 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (John 19:34)

 This poinsettia was grown for me, so that I may reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the Christ child rather than all the commercialism that is thrust upon us. This precious baby, who was born in a stable, came to this earth to suffer and die, so we may have eternal life. Baby Jesus was the Ultimate Christmas gift and the reason we celebrate each year!

May you celebrate the birth of your Savior in new ways this coming year as you reflect on His glory and remember that He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace who will quench your thirst and brighten your days.

Merry Christmas!

Location: Edgewater, FL, USA

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