To the Glory of God Poinsettias Jay Larson During the season of , First Presbyterian carries on a long tradition of Jerry and Karen Narus placing poinsettias in the sanctuary. Poinsettias first came from Mexico where they are known as Flor de Noch Buena or Flower of the Holy Night, but why the Poinsettia? Don & Georgia Dixon The 's association with began in 16th-century Mexico, Swen Magnuson & Deborah McElroy where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita or María, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of ' birthday and was inspired by an to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front Craig & Kay Jensen of the church altar. Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the Don & Linda Pound in their Christmas celebrations.

Bruce, Marilyn & Annie Culp The star-shaped pattern is said to symbolize the Star of , and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus' crucifixion. 'Kingfisher Books' ' 1992's 'The Christmas Collection' notes that an alternative name for the plant is "Fire flowers of the Holy Night".

When we look at the poinsettia, we are really looking at the promise In Honor of of Christmas. We begin by seeing the star shape of the flower, which reminds us of the star that shone over Bethlehem proclaiming to the world the birth of Christ and calling people to Him. Amidst this star we see the golden crown calling us to remember that Jesus came to be King of our hearts. My Mother’s 108th Christmas ~ Sally Cifrese Perhaps most striking is the beautiful red color that reminds us of the blood of Christ, the sacrifice He made in order that we may live.

Louise Baker, Our Neighbor Finally, hidden under the bright red, is the deep green of the stem and . ~Jack & Carol Ware Especially in Winter, this color represents the life eternal promised in the sacrifice.

The poinsettia takes on greater symbolism as we place them in the sanctuary to remember loved ones who are now with the Lord and to honor the people who are special in our lives today.

*Light italics indicate the name of the dedicator Edith & Richard Stanger Our Parents & Loved Ones Edith & Ernest Marler In Loving Memory ~Kevin & Melanie Wetzel Geneva & Frank Stanger ~Kim & Emily Kvamme My Parents, Jo Ann~Mom~Nanny

Hope & John Bower ~Howard, Beth, Sky, & Joel Brett Bailey & & my Brother, John Bower Keith & Wanda Rowland ~Susan Bower ~Delbert & Judy Bailey Lillian Kienlen ~Kay Rose Our Parents,

Lowell Jensen & Dr. Frank & Betty Maddison, Ronald E. Gingras Our Parents, Brothers, Garth Fullmer & Louis & Marthe Cella ~Karen Gingras & Sister ~Janet Jensen Fullmer Our Siblings, ~Don & Linda Pound Art & Lorene Remien, Frank E. & Pat, Jeff Hand Micah Hangland & Janine & Evelyne Joe and Nellie Mondell & ~Carol & Jack Ware ~ Kim Remien ~Dave & Josette Maddison Jay and Mabel Olson

Wilbur M. Ashman ~Gary & Diane Mondell Don & Lillian Meppen & ~Sally Cifrese Emil & Dora Ohme Our Parents ~The Ohme, Broughton, Jared “Bubba” Carlson, & Helen Reynolds & Woodbury Families ~Charles E. & Billie C. Holson Our Son ~Roger & Teresa Carlson Lee & our departed Dan Hagrman Loved Ones. ~Don & Sue Hagrman Bob & Jean P’Pool ~Betty Hansen & ~David & Kelly & Family the Baldwin Family