Sunday, March 23, 2008

Legend of the Dogwood Tree


There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber for the cross. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it: "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, 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 remember...that it was upon a dogwood tree I was crucified and this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed, but cherished as a reminder of My death upon the cross."

1 comment:

Bibby said...

Thanks for sharing the "Legend of the Dogwood Tree". I'd never heard it before & it's a beautiful story!!!
Also, thanks for commenting on my blog about CTS. You're right, the computer plays havoc on the hands too.
Also nice to chat with another Yankee. Do you feel misplaced too!