While northern regions of the country begin to dream of a white Christmas, in December it’s usually quite sunny and mild here in north Florida. After a week or so of colder weather in November, temperatures continue to fluctuate. The green grass of summer is fading to dull brown, and the community swimming pool is closed until spring. Outdoor Christmas lights and decorations are going up around the neighborhood to be enjoyed by all who pass by. At night, the colored lights sparkle and glow, adding Christmas cheer to the darkness. Christmas tree lots are open and a tree (or two) tied to the roof of a passing car is a common sight. Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
My front yard is decorated with a simple white wooden nativity. Inside, boxes of Christmas decorations that had been packed away all year have been opened. Their memory filled contents have added beauty to our home for the weeks ahead. All around our neighborhood, cookies will be baked, cards will be mailed, presents will be wrapped, and carols will heard in public places proclaiming the birth of Christ the Lord.
But before the Christmas decorations are unpacked and the hustle and bustle of the season begins, a camellia bush quietly blooms in my side yard, its pale pink blossoms slowly opening one by one with increasing beauty. Every year in late November or early December, this camellia transforms itself from an unassuming shrub into a beautiful bush adorned with frothy pink blossoms set among its glossy green leaves. The camellia will bloom throughout the Christmas season in silent praise to the Lord of all creation who came to earth as a newborn babe one silent night many years ago.
There are different varieties of camellias, a plant that originated in Asia and has been prized for centuries for its beautiful blossoms and its leaves. There are over 220 different species and over 26,000 cultivars! One particular type of camellia, Camellia sinensis, is grown for its leaves which are used to make tea. In fact, the Chinese word for this shrub means “tea flower.”
Of interest to homeopaths is the homeopathic remedy made from Camellia sinensis. Primary indications for this remedy are for neuralgia, nervous sleeplessness, heart palpitations, and a faint, gone feeling in the stomach. One curious symptom is the impulse to jump out of a window. These symptoms can be the result of excessive tea drinking.
The camellia in my side yard is a Camellia sasanqua, a common garden variety, which is known as the Christmas camellia because its peak bloom time is in December. This species was originally cultivated in Japan for its tea leaves and tea seed oil, which has many uses in cooking and cosmetics.
The beautiful flowers start as small, tightly closed buds which open slowly to reveal delicate pink petals and a bouquet of yellow stamens. After blooming for several weeks, the petals fall, covering the ground below with soft pink petals.
This blooming of my Christmas camellia is an annual tradition that culminates at the time of annual Christmas traditions. During the season of winter, nature’s season of rest, this unassuming bush blossoms in a gorgeous display of beauty in a celebration of renewal.
Christmas. For many, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But for some, in what should be a season of hope and joy, it is a time of despair and sorrow. They cannot see the Light of the World shining in the darkness, the Light Who radiates beauty and color into the hearts of those who have been found by Him.
Prophets of old foretold the coming of the King of Kings Who would save His people from their sins. And in the fullness of time, He came. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”~ Matthew 1:21
Wise men saw the light of His star and came to worship the Prince of Peace. “May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” ~ Psalm 70:2
Every year, my Christmas camellia adorns herself for the season, anticipating the advent of the King of Kings. As you prepare your home this holiday season, may you be mindful of the true meaning of Christmas and welcome Immanuel, “God with us,” into your heart and family celebrations.
O come, let us adore Him! Christ the Lord!