Christmas Flower
Poinsettias are known as the Christmas flower. They come in a variety of colors, but the red poinsettia is the most popular and common one. The blooms on the poinsettia are actually leaves that have changed colors. The ‘bloom’ or colorful leaves represent the ‘Star of David’ that led the wisemen to baby Jesus. The color red is symbolic of the blood of Christ that Jesus shed for our sins. The white poinsettia represents the purity of Christ.
Seek Peace and Prosperity
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:7 ESV https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.7.esv
The Israelites were taken captive to Babylon. Jeremiah the prophet is speaking to them. God tells the Israelites to live life where He has placed them. We can also get a message from this verse. Seek peace and prosperity in the place where God has placed you. Wherever you are, pray for and in that place, that you may have peace. This includes home, work, your local church, city and your nation.
Bloom Where You are Planted
The above passage encourages us to make roots even where you feel uncomfortable or isolated. Often, where we find ourselves is not where we want to be, but we should make the best of it. If God has led you there, then that place is fertile ground for you to thrive.
A Dark Place
In order for a poinsettia’s leaves to change color, they are placed in a dark space for about 6 weeks. Unattended, unwatered, just isolated. When the time is right, the plant is taken out of the dark and the leaves have a gorgeous ‘bloom’. In comparison, our lives oftentimes, are put through circumstances that are challenging. Life has placed us in a dark closet. When the door opened and we saw the light, we realized we had bloomed. God has helped us to mature as a Christian. We learn to feed on meat not milk as we mature.
His Plans Are to Prosper You
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14a ESV https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.11-14.esv
God has plans for you. Not plans for defeat or failure, but to prosper. Don’t make the mistake of thinking prosper necessarily means financial gain. Prosper means to be successful in what you are trying to accomplish. To have contentment and peace where you are. His plans for you are perfect and pleasing. God does not force us. It takes our cooperation. Seek Him to have His plans to be fulfilled in your life.
Paula Wallace
