Many years ago, a dogwood tree grew on a hill
outside Jerusalem. In those days, the dogwood
tree was as tall and mighty as an oak, and this
tree was the tallest of all the dogwoods, and
extremely proud of its strength.

Something wonderful is going to happen to me,
it said to anyone who would listen. I'll probably
become the mast that holds the big sail on a grand
ship, or the main tember supporting a great house.

Unfortunatley, the huge old dogwood was cut to
become the cross to which Jesus was nailed. The
tree was horrified. All its dreams of glory were
smashed, and it groaned in agony as two boards
from its trunk were nailed together.

Jesus took pity on the tree, even as he carried it
to Calvary. You will never be put to such use
again, he told it. From this day on, your shape
will change, even as will the world. You will
become slender and sway with the breeze. And
instead of acorns you will bear white flowers in
the shape of a cross, with dark red bloodstains
at the side of each petal to show the world how
you have suffered. Last of all, the center of
your flowers will be marked as though with a crown
of thorns, to remind the world forevermore that
you and I spent our last moments together. And so
it was. And so it is.....

Author Unknown