Stories of Christmas ~ The Poinsettia ~Mexico

It was Christmas Eve, all the children in the village were hurrying to attend the crib service in the church.  It was always a beautiful time.  Every one brought gifts to present to the Christ Child.
In one small hut standing on the edge of the village two young children wrapped their scarves around themselves, before they opened the door and went out into the night air.
"Hurry," the boy called to his sister, "we don't want to be late", but still the girl dawdled only, her heart was heavy and her worry was apparent to the boy.
"I am sure that the most humble gift, if given in love will be acceptable" he offered.
In despair, looking around for beautiful flowers to gather and seeing none, she picked some green weeds.  As they approached the church, she hung her head in shame as the other children giggled and parents shared knowing looks.
The people entered the church and one by one went to the front to place their gifts before the nativity, elaborate baskets of fruit and ornaments were given down.  Then the whole congregation watched as the two children left their pew and took their green weeds to the front.
"Even the most humble gift, if given in love" filled her heart as she lay the weeds down. A tear trickled down her cheek and though the tears, she saw the weed burst in to star shaped flowers of the most stunning red.  The gift had been given in love and had also been recieved with  love!