GOOD FRIDAY - "Legend of the Dogwood"

"When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew

to a towering size with a lovely hue.

Its branches were strong and interwoven;

so for Christ’s cross, its timbers were chosen.

Being distressed at the use of its wood,

Christ made a promise which still holds good:

“Not ever again shall the dogwood grow large enough for such a tree;

it shall always be with cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.

The petals shall have bloodstains marked in brown

and in the blossom’s center a thorny crown.

All who see it will think of Me - nailed to a cross from the dogwood tree.

Protected and cherished this tree shall be a reflection to all of My agony.” (Author Unknown)