The following is the Legend of the Dogwood Tree. Though it is only a legend, it gives beautiful significance to our understanding of Easter.

Many years ago, the dogwood tree grew straight and tall and was the source of timber for a variety of different uses. One day,  some men came to the woods in search of wood for a special purpose. They found a good, strong, tall dogwood tree and had it trimmed and shaped into a large cross to be used at a crucifixion.  Finally the day came when it was to be used.

It was placed on the shoulders of a man who was obviously very tired and worn out. The man staggered many times on his way to the place of execution. He had an air of humanity and divinity about him. The cross because aware that this was no ordinary man.

They finally arrived at the top of a hill, where it was evident that this was the destination that had been planned. Soldiers took the man and stretched him across the rough wood of the dogwood cross. They very cruelly forced spikes into his hands and feet to secure him on the cross and then raised it upright. With a kick from one of the soldiers, the cross came to rest in the bottom of a deep hole.

The dogwood saw the agony that followed. And, close to the end, he heard the words– that the man that hung there was truly the Son of God.

From that point on, the dogwood felt ashamed for having been used in the death of the Son of God. From then on, all dogwood trees no longer grew tall and straight and strong.  Instead, the branches were twisted, the trees were short, and they could never again be used to make a cross.

In searching for forgiveness for what it had done to God’s Son, the dogwood vowed that it would bear a flower each spring to symbolize the cruel death of the Savior. So now you will see on the dogwood a white white flower which symbolizes the purity of God’s Son. The petals form the shape of a cross. At the end of each point of the “cross” is a reddish stain symbolizing the blood which Jesus shed. In the center of each flower is a crown symbolizing the crown of thorns on the head of Christ. And so, the dogwood is a symbol of the agony of Calvary and a witness to the New Life in Christ.

What is it about your life that is witness to the New Life you have in Christ? Do your actions and words symbolize that you’re a Child of God? Let the Living Christ reach out and touch your life this Easter Season.

May God Richly Bless You as You Serve Him. – Pastor Louise