The Legend of the Dogwood - Good Friday

There is a legend that at the time of the Crucifixion the dogwood tree 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 of the cross. To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree, and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in his gentle pity for all the 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 in the form of a cross...two long petals 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 will remember...that it was upon a dogwood tree I was crucified and this tree shall not be mutilated, but cherished as a reminder of My death upon the cross."

What are you thinking about today?