STARS AND GLORIES

Every month has a birthstone. The birthstone for September is the sapphire. But did you know that every month also has a birth flower; usually two? The birth flowers for September are the aster and the morning glory. 

And they both remind me of Jesus.

ASTERS

The word aster comes from the Greek word for “star.” The aster flowers are the shape of a star. But not just a 5-pointed star. The aster resembles a lush, brilliant star. And there was no more brilliant star than the one that shone over Bethlehem during Jesus’ birth. The aster reminds me of Jesus. 

In ancient times, folks believed that burning the leaves of the aster flower would drive away serpents. In Christianity, the serpent represents the evil one. And biblically, Christ stomped his heel on the serpent and conquered the evil one. The aster reminds me of Jesus

The aster is a symbol of love, faith, wisdom, patience and light. Jesus is love, faith, wisdom, patience and light.

MORNING GLORIES

The morning glory is the alternative birth flower for September. Its name refers to the fact that it that blooms in the morning.  It thus reminds me of that one glorious morning on Easter Sunday when Jesus’ empty grave proved His power over death.  

Because of its large saucer shape, the morning glory allows bees to pollinate it easily. As a result, new flowers bloom each day. Morning glories are therefore a powerful symbol of the resurrection. Jesus is the resurrection; and the life.

The morning glory grows in vines. It reminds me of  John 15: 5-8 where Jesus said:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

It is fitting for the month of September, that the primary birth flower is the aster. Asters are traditionally placed on graves as a symbol of remembrance. This is especially poignant in the United States as we remember the citizens who died on  September 11, 2001.

And as the morning glory reminds us of Jesus’ promise of eternal life, this second Setpember birth flower gives us hope for us still living that we will spend glory with Him.

Happy birthday to everyone born in September.

[Read my posts on the flowers for JUNE, JULY and AUGUST to see how those flowers remind me of Jesus, too.]

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the beauty you placed in this world for our enjoyment. Help us look at the beauty and think of you. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Who do you know born in September? Which flower might they prefer? Why?