Every month also has a birth flower, sometimes two. The birth flowers for February are the iris and the violet. And they both remind me of Jesus.
The iris is the main February flower. Its stalks are tall and sturdy; its flowers large and showy.
Although we generally think of irises as purple, they come in all colors. In fact, the name “iris” comes from the Latin word for rainbow.
God’s promise to mankind is represented visually in the sky every time we see a rainbow. The rainbow reminds us—and Him—of His everlasting love for us. And of God’s love ultimately made incarnate through Jesus.
The leaves of the iris remind me of Jesus, too. They are sword shaped. The sword of God—according to Ephesians 6—is the Word of God. The Word of God, explained in John 1:14 is Jesus himself.
The word “iris” also refers to the part of our eye that helps focus our vision. It is the eyeball muscle, the thing that expands and constricts to control the size of our pupil.
Jesus recognized the relationship between seeing physically and seeing spiritually, when he asked the disciples: “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” (Mark 8:17-18)
The iris flower then is a reminder to see through Jesus’ eyes. To look where he points. To focus on Him.
Violets are the secondary birth flower for February. The small, soft blossoms and velvety leaves remind us that humility, humbleness and gentleness are precious to God. Its name reflects the color most common to violets. Purple. The color of royalty. The color of King Jesus.
Both the iris and the violet represent faith and hope. More than anything, this reminds us that the basis for our hope of heaven is our faith in Jesus.
Happy birthday to everyone born in February.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us your glory in the beauty of the world you created. Help us to see you in everything around us. Help us to look for you and to be reminded of your character. And then to praise you for it. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Who do you know with a February birthday? Would they enjoy this post—like a bouquet from Jesus?
January Carnations
December Poinsettias
November ChrysanthemumOctober Marigold
September Asters and Morning Glories
August Gladiolas and Poppies
July Larkspurs and Lilies
June Roses
3 comments:
My daughter Rachael's B-Day is the 9th, she'll be 21 !!
That's pretty cool about the Iris, the sword and the Word. Did you know the Word is the only offensive weapon we have to do battle with evil? Well, that's all we need!!
Thanks, Carol :)
@ Chris - the only offensive weapon? What about those awesome boots. Oh, right, they're the boots of peace.
So intriguing, Carol! I loved this! Thank you for sharing this!
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