Deborah Chaves, Teacher, says;
What would Christmas be without a beautiful poinsettia plant? So many colors and varieties are available today to choose from but red is still the favorite. There’s something almost magical about poinsettias. Taking care of a greenhouse full of them at Monroe Technology Center in Leesburg, Virginia beginning in August, I am always in awe of the transformation they go through. They start as a tender green plant and then get brutally cutback in early September, leaving an ugly stump and a few leaves behind wondering how to possibly recover from this set back. But within weeks the plants are growing new leaves and by the end of October those green leaves (now called bracts) are undergoing a color change. Red is slowly creeping in and by Thanks giving I am feeling very thankful that almost 50% of the plant is now red and a small yellow flower is starting to burst forth in the center. Yes, Christmas is on the way! Those red bracts remind me that the blood of Christ was shed for all the sins of the whole world and the yellow flower assures me that He truly is the Light of the world. The poinsettia has done its work to symbolize this amazing Truth as plant by plant they leave the greenhouse and make their way into homes, offices, events and churches.
At this year’s Monroe Technology Center Christmas Plant Sale there will be other plant reminders of the gift of Christmas. To me, fresh evergreens and garland speak of the promise of eternal life we have with God the Father through Jesus Christ. Wreaths can symbolize unbroken fellowship with Him and with His family. Bows decorate and adorn, speaking of the beauty of the season, along with other blooming plants. And on and on the symbols go…
If you are in the Leesburg area, I invite you to visit Monroe Technology Center and purchase many items, taking lovely reminders of Christmas with you.
December 4: 10-6pm, December 5: 10-5pm, December 5: 10-4pm
thedailylily.com 
“Those red bracts remind me that the blood of Christ was shed for all the sins of the whole world and the yellow flower assures me that He truly is the Light of the world. ”
Romans 3: 23 – 25 (NLT) says: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood….”
Beautiful poinsettias, Debi!
Thanks Tammy, it’s always inspiring to see their color at Christmas and your scripture is a great reminder of of why Jesus came to that manger scene that we reflect on and sing about during December.
Debi writes…’they (poinsettias) start out as a tender green plant…’ The Bible says, “For He shall grow up before God as a tender, green plant,… Debi writes, ‘then they are cut back leaving an ugly stump…’ The Bible says, “Mashiach will be cut off and have nothing, no form nor comeliness and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” Debi writes of the poinsettias, ‘ the yellow flower is about to burst forth from the center..’ And the Bible says, “He was buried, and he was raised forth, (burst forth) from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.”
The poinsettia as you have described them truly do reflect the life of Christ Jesus. What a plant of remembrance they are in the homes of those of us who worship and reverence Christmas-tide for what it truly is…..the memorial of Jesus Messiah’s birth.
Isaiah. 53:4-5
Daniel 9:26
1Corinthians 15:4
I had an early preview of the sale and it is full of Christmas beauty and fragrance! I hope no one misses out on the joy!
Well, I just claimed my poinsettias which are luscious lovely and a fresh, glorious smelling evergreen wreath for my front door. Now the decorative neighbors’ yards have nothing on me! Great sale, Debi.
Oh! And the Cookies & hot cider were outstanding, too!
Thank you MTC!
MG, cookies and hot cider? I didn’t know!!! 😦
How thrilling for the Christmas sale to come again. As a past volunteer I know the excitement of the volunteers who serve with great joy showing people items and helping them with their carts from gathering to loading up the precious items of joy into their car. It is a joyous event to labor in such a festive atmosphere with music in the background. For the students it is very rewarding to see their work turn into a beautiful holiday landscape before their eyes and then see the joy on each face due to their labor which brought forth such beauty.