03 | April | 2012 | Susan Spess Shay

One of the reasons I chose this theme for my blog is the picture at the top. The header is a picture of dogwood blossoms. (I liked the pink for spring, too.)

I could have chosen this one

with Forget-Me-Nots in the picture.

Or this one

with Tiger Lilies.

But I wanted the Dogwood, and I knew I’d keep it until Easter. Here’s why.

In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew

To a stately size and a lovely hue.

‘Twas strong & firm it’s branches interwoven

For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood

Christ made a promise which still holds good:

“Never again shall the dogwood grow

Large enough to be used

so Slender & twisted, it shall be

With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown

The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember me

Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected this tree shall be

A reminder to all of my agony.”

~Unknown

(source: http://www.footprint.co.za/)

This is from Fisheaters.com—

It is said at the time of the Crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the Cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in His gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it: “Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a gibbet. Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross — two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints — brown with rust and stained with red — and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember.”

You’ll see beautiful dogwoods blooming all over the place in Okie World right now–both pink and white. When you notice one, I hope you’re remember the legend.

I doubt Christ truly died on a dogwood tree. I don’t know what kind of trees they had in Israel two thousand years ago, but I doubt they have (or had) dogwoods. But it’s a nice story.

But the real point is, Jesus died, tortured on a cross, bearing the weight of OUR sins, not His. And after three days in the tomb, He rose again. Even death couldn’t contain him, because He is God.

There’s a song we used to sing every year at Easter. Now you never hear it, but I loved singing it. See if you remember it.

Refrain: Up from the grave He arose; with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever, with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

What’s your favorite Resurrection Sunday song? Want to share some of the words?