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 have warmed back up. The green grass of summer has faded to dull brown, and the community swimming pool is closed until spring. Outdoor Christmas lights and decorations are going up little by little around the neighborhood. 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!
Soon my house will join the fun with twinkling lights and a white wooden nativity in the front yard. Boxes that have been packed away all year will emerge from the closet. Their memory filled contents will add beauty to our home for the weeks ahead. 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. Christmas. Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year!
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 in beauty. Every year in late November 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.
Soon my house will join the fun with twinkling lights and a white wooden nativity in the front yard. Boxes that have been packed away all year will emerge from the closet. Their memory filled contents will add beauty to our home for the weeks ahead. 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. Christmas. Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year!
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 in beauty. Every year in late November 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. 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."
My camellia is a Camellia sasanqua, 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.
My camellia is a Camellia sasanqua, 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 flowers start as small, tightly closed buds which open slowly to reveal delicate pink petals and a bouquet of yellow stamens which invite bees and wasps in for a closer look.
See the intricate detail of the camellia stamens tipped with pollen.
My Christmas camellia has adorned herself for the season, anticipating the advent of the King of Kings. O come, let us adore Him!
As you adorn your home this holiday season, may you be mindful of the true meaning of Christmas and welcome Emmanuel, "God with us," into your heart and family celebrations.
~Ewenique
~Ewenique
