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 of 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
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."
Author Known By God
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