What's the story behind the sanctuary poinsettias at Christmas time?

According to one legend, a small boy from a very poor family headed to church on Christmas Eve.  Heartbroken that he did not have a gift for the Christ child, he knelt down along the way in tears, praying that God would still know how much he loved Jesus.  Opening his eyes to continue on his way, around him where his tears had fallen to the ground, bright red leaves and flowers had sprung up.  Gathering them into a bouquet, he carried them to the church to present them as his gift to Jesus.

Just so, the poinsettias that decorate Highland Park's sanctuary symbolize our love for Jesus -- the "white" ones acknowledge His purity and the red ones His sacrifice on the cross for our sin.

If you would like to underwrite the cost of one or more of those in honor or in memory of someone you love, you may do so with a $5 donation per plant.  As December approaches, simply fill out a form in the bulletin and submit it to the church office or place it in the offering plate.

Those who have been honored or remembered in this way will be listed in the bulletin on the Sunday before Christmas.  You may take the plant(s) home after the Christmas Eve service.