The DogWood Tree
When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew to a
towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven and for Christ's cross its timbers were
chosen.
Being distressed at the use of the wood Christ
made a promise which still holds good:
"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow to be
large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be with cross-shaped blossoms for all to
see.
The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown
and in the blossom's center a thorny crown.
All who see it will think of me, Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be a reflection to all of my
agony."
~~Author Unknown~~
Serena's Poem
Twas’ the Night Before the FIRST Christmas
By: Serena Sunderland (published age 14)
Twas’ the night before Christmas
And all through the town,
Every shelter was packed
Not a bed to be found. Caeser’s census sent folks
To the town of their birth,
So Caeser with taxes could
Increase Rome’s worth.
On that cold, crystal night
Into Bethlehem came
Two tired people
With their donkey the same.
They had come very far,
Many miles of road;
But there were no beds
For the weary and cold.
Mary and Joseph,
As they were known,
Made a deal to sleep
In a barn made of stone.
During the night
In the soft bed of hay;
Baby Jesus was born,
In the manger he lay.
Close by, men in the fields
Guarding their sheep,
Became fully awake,
Some startled from sleep.
‘Cause all of a sudden,
With a brilliant flash,
An angel appeared
Wearing white robe and sash.
“Have no fear!”
The bright angel said,
“I bring you good news,
With nothing to dread.”
“Today down in Bethlehem,
In a dark little stable
The Savior’s been born,
Get there quick as you’re able.”
Then another brilliant flash,
And the sky seemed to be seared;
A great host of angels,
Singing praises appeared.
“Peace on earth
And mercy mild,
God and sinners
Reconciled.”
The angels disappeared
And the shepherds hurried away.
To see the baby that
In a manger lay.
While this was happ’ning,
Far off from the East
Wisemen were coming with
Treasures loaded on beasts.
They came into Bethlehem
And searched through the town,
Until they found the stable
Where they kneeled down.
They offered God’s Son gifts
Of gold, frankincense, & myrrh;
Then they told others what
They’d seen and they’d heard.
The first Christmas night
So long ago,
God sent us
The greatest gift we’ll ever know.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world
That he gave his only begotten Son,
That whosoever believeth in him
Shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
