Almost a Miracle

A White Christmas? Here in Helena, Alabama? It hasn't happened in my lifetime, and I always said it would take a miracle. This year the miracle didn't officially happen, but it came close enough to be exciting. On Christmas Day we had snow flurries most of the morning. Nothing to stick, but wondrous, nevertheless. I went to bed, contented that I had seen at least a glimpse of the wintery stuff. Then, when I woke up yeasterday morning, I looked out the window and the woods were white! 

I think we had about an inch. Nothing mind boggling, but still rare for us. Most of the snow was gone by the afternoon, though a few flurries continued through the day. I was out early, a coat over my pajamas and robe, taking the following photos as the snow swirled around me.

Here's a view through the rose arch. One can see the outdoor Christmas tree, its white lights visible in the gray winter light:

There was just enough snow to frost leaves, branches, and garden ornaments:

Here's another look at the outdoor Christmas tree, from the front lawn:

The woodland rabbit watches the snow come down:

This weeping blue cedar is beautiful year round, but I especially like how it looks with a dusting of snow:

Here's a view of the light snow in the upper woodland garden:

Now, those of you who live in northern regions, please don't snicker at my little snowfall. It is for us, after all, almost a miracle!

Blessings to you. Stay safe and warm!   Deborah

Poinsettia: A Symbol of Love

Christmas is here, and we often see poinsettias decorating businesses and homes. Poinsettias grow wild in rainy, tropical regions of Central America, and Joel Poinsett, America's first ambassador to Mexico, brought the plant to our country in 1828.

Poinsettias are associated with Christmas because of the legend of Pepita, a poor Mexican child. In her village, people would bring presents to the chapel at Christmas and put them around the nativity to honor Christ. Little Pepita could not afford to buy a gift so she gathered a bouquet of local weeds and lovingly placed them at the foot of the manger. Onlookers were astonished when the leaves of the weeds turned to brilliant red. Since then the poinsettia is a reminder that Christ is honored, not by expensive gifts and glittery show, but by our love.

Poinsettias also are a symbol of God's love for us. The red of the traditional poinsettia symbolizes the blood of Jesus, and the central seeds resemble the crown of thorns he wore upon the cross. These remind us of God's complete love for his creation. Christmas is very much wrapped up with Easter. Our fallen world is in a mess, separated from its Creator, but God was willing to step down from Heaven and become one of us. He suffered the same trials and penalties we experience, ultimately facing and conquering our worse enemy, death. There is hope, because the baby Jesus grew up and acted as our representative, accepting our sins upon himself as he died upon the cross. Of course, his death would not have meant much if he had stayed dead. But he didn't. On the third day after his death he rose from the grave. We have many eyewitness accounts from people who saw him, touched him, and ate with him after his resurrection. Although God's work is not done and evil still reigns for a while yet upon the earth, we have God's promise that his perfect gift is coming. Peace on Earth, good will toward men! Hallelujah!

Merry Christmas to all, and in the busyness of the season, may you focus on the true meaning of the holiday. May your hearts be filled with love and peace.   Deborah