The “Poinsettia Tree” has become a PUMC tradition. This pair of arrangements of Poinsettia plants decorates the front of our sanctuary during the Christmas Season. The arrangements resemble trees, and they surround the alter table. Not only do they add to the Christmas atmosphere, they help link us to those who have gone on to glory. Each plant is usually dedicated in memory of someone.
After the Christmas Eve service, many of these plants will be delivered to the homebound in our community.
So when you see these “trees”, admire their beauty and take in the Christmas atmosphere. But while you’re at it, remember the person which each pot represents.
To Order a Poinsettia…
To contribute to the display and to make a memory, order a poinsettia. Here are the details:
Poinsettias
WHAT: Specify the # of Red and/or White plants you want to buy
COST: Each 7 1/2″ pot costs $12
DUE: Orders are due in the church office by Sunday 12/12/21
PICKUP: You may take your plant(s) following the Christmas Eve service (or 12/19 if necessary).
Click this button for the order form. Print it out, fill it out, and drop it off to the church office:
Why Poinsettias?
You might wonder why Poinsettias have been the “flower of choice” for Christmas. Here are some thoughts on this (from an article that appeared in our church newsletter)…
According to the Ohio State University website, poinsettias were first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who obtained plants from the wilds of southern Mexico.
Why Christmas and poinsettias? There are three legends that tie them together.
As Aztecs were converted to Christianity, they saw the poinsettia’s red leaves as symbols of the deep love of Jesus.
An ancient legend connected the poinsettia with Jesus’ birth. A young brother and sister had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas. They took the long way to church hoping to find something along the way. Desperately, they picked up some green leafy weeds and brought them into the church.
Another story suggests that the poinsettia with its star shaped foliage pattern has been connected with the Star of Bethlehem shining at the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1–21). The poinsettia’s blood red leaves symbolize the blood sacrificed for love of God. Spiritual events connected with the poinsettia include the deaths of the Holy Innocents, babies killed by King Herod who madly searched for Jesus (Matthew 2:13–18) as well as Jesus’ death and crucifixion.
Regardless of the tradition’s true origin, these plants continue to remind us of our Lord and of all those who have gone before us.
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For more about Christmas at PUMC (and beyond), click this button: Christmas
