As I was driving around town the other day, I noticed the beautiful blossoms of the dogwood tree, and it reminded me of an old poem about the legend of the dogwood tree.
The Legend of the Dogwood Tree
(Author Unknown)
In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
’Twas strong and 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 and 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.”
It was said that Jesus told the dogwood tree, “Never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender and bent and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross — two long and two short petals. And 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 it will remember.”
The pink dogwood is said to be blushing for shame because of the cruel purpose that it served in the crucifixion. The weeping dogwood further symbolizes the sorrow. The red dogwood reminds us of the blood shed by our Savior. The white dogwood reminds us of His resurrection.
Pastor Mark