by Clara A. Curtis, Flower Guild Chair, Christmas 2025

This Christmas season, the Flower Guild would like to share the symbolism of some plants that are featured in floral designs on the altar. It is our hope that the floral decorations will turn your mind and heart toward Bethlehem at Christmas.

Throughout the Bible, flowers are mentioned 159 times. One familiar passage is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Luke 12 where verse 27 refers to the “lilies of the field.” This reference is to red anemone, autumn crocus, tulips and/or irises that are native to the Holy Land. Red anemone (Anemone coronaria), so named for the Greek word, anemos, meaning “wind,” has red petals with a black center. Anemone flowers symbolize anticipation and renewal, beauty and grace, hope and transformation.

The Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum saundersiae) is a tender bulbous perennial with flowers

resembling white stars. From the Greek words, ornis meaning bird and gala meaning milk, the white flowers often are used to symbolize the Christ Child at the star that guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem. The green papyrus plant is recognizable from the Old Testament stories of Moses. Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is a reed with hollow stems that grows along the banks of the Nile River. Papyrus was used to make one of the earliest forms of handmade paper. Some of the New Testament texts were written on papyrus paper. Moses’ floating cradle was hand built out of papyrus reed. Papyrus is a symbol of creation, renewal and life. The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is also a focus of the altar arrangement. The flower shape and petal arrangement is a reflection on King Jesus.

Christ came to Earth so long ago, yet His story is eternal and fresh each day! Joy to the World!