Easter Lilies
Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-17
“He pastures his flock among the lilies.”
More than one hundred years ago a missionary to Japan gave some white lily bulbs from Okinawa to the Episcopal rector in Hamilton, Bermuda. In the 1880s a gardener from Philadelphia, who found the gardens in Bermuda filled with white trumpets lilies, brought some home. It was not long before the famous Bermuda lily became known as the Easter lily all over America.
One of the first things we notice is the white flower. In Christian art, the lily is a symbol of purity. We need to follow the advice of Paul to the Philippians, “Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others.”
As we think further about the lily, we remember Jesus’ use of the field lilies to remind us of God’s love and concern for us, and his provision for all our needs.
The lily grows from an ugly bulb, a seemingly lifeless brown ball. It teaches us that God is the giver of hope. New life comes to us through our receiving Christ into our hearts.
One other noticeable feature of a lily is its fragrance. It reaches out and fills a room. This is what Christians are asked to do — to reach out and fill the world with the fragrance of God’s love.
For Reflection: What lesson do the lilies teach me?
Prayer Seed:
In the beauty of the lilies,
Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom
That transfigures you and me.
Julia Ward Howe, 1862
