Triumph ...

“The Resurrection of Christ changed the midnight of bereavement into a sunrise of reunion; it changed the midnight of disappointment into a sunrise of joy; it changed the midnight of fear to a sunrise of peace.”

         ~ Billy Graham

             ~ 1918-2018

A wooden Cross draped in white for Easter stands outside Friedens United Church of Christ, Slatington, Pennsylvania as sunset beckons on a beautiful April day, reminding all who see it of Christ’s Resurrection and triumph.

Tears On The Dogwood ...

Legend Of The Dogwood Tree

At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus’ cross.

To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said, “Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross – two long and two short petals.

“In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.”

Raindrops cascade like teardrops on blossoms of a beautiful pink dogwood tree on a May evening in Allentown, Pennsylvania.