Many years ago, just outside of Mexico City, a local padre started a custom of encouraging the villagers to bring flowers on Christmas Eve to fill the town square. One year, as hundreds of locals brought their tokens of celebration a tiny eight year old girl, Josephina, stood beside the roadway, watching the procession. Her tears flowed in grief as she watched the townspeople pass - their arms full of blooms. When the padre saw her he picked her up and asked why she cried on such a joyous day. She sobbed that she had no money for flowers to join in the gift giving. The resourceful padre set her down and bade her pluck the tall plant that was right at her side. She protested, “It’s a weed. I want flowers.” To which he replied, “It is always honorable, little one, to give what you have to give.” Josephina shrugged uncertainly. But at his insistence she joined the parade. The closer she walked to the town center, the more people took note of her gift. It seemed to all who saw it to be the most beautiful flower of all. The perfect symbol of Christmas beauty. And from that day until now, it is said that the poinsettia has been the best loved Christmas flower in that land where it grows so plentiful. This Christmas, open your eyes and see the simple beauty that surrounds you. Merry Christmas.