The Legend Of The Dogwood Tree

There is a lovely story, the legend tho it be

It tells how blessed Jesus was pitied by a tree

T'was in the days when Jesus this earth did walk upon

The dogwood tree was larger it's wood was firm and strong

How beautiful the story the legend of a tree

That sobbed for dear Jesus unto old calvary

It proves that if we love him a blessing we'll receive

Just as the lovely story of the lowly dogwood tree.

At the time of the crucifixion the dogwood attained the size of the oak and other forest trees.

So strong and firm was the wood of it, that it was chosen for the timber of the cross.

To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree

And Jesus sensed this and smiled upon it.

And in his gentle pity for sorrow said to it:

Because of your regret and pity for my suffering I make you this promise

Never again shall the dogwood grow enough to be used for a cross

Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted

And it's blossoms shall be in the form of a cross, two long petals and two short pedals

And in the center of the outer edge of each petal

There'll be the nail print browned with rust and stained with blood.

And the center of the flower will be an image of the crown of thorns

And all who see it will remember that it was upon the dogwood tree I was crucified

And this tree shall not be mutilated or destroyed but cherished as a reminder of my death

Upon the cross

Two petals long two petals short a symbol of the cross

On each the print of nails and blood which pictures Jesus lost.

In the center of each flower the crown of thorns can see

And so is told the legend of the lowly dogwood tree.