Cast: Leader and six readers carrying flowers and sign.Props: Large basket with handle to surround with rose garland. If possible, silk flowers and plants: 1 ivy plant, 3 large roses, 2 hydrangeas, 1-3 poppy flowers, 2-4 lilies, lily-of-the-valley flowers, dogwood flowers and rose garland. Six signs with flower or plant name on one side and meaning on the other side.
Readers enter carrying sign with flower name showing and appropriate flower. Sign is turned over to show the flower meaning after reading is completed. The reader then gives flower(s) to leader and steps aside. The leader arranges the flowers in the basket.
Leader: Flowers and plans play an important role in our lives today. Many of us plant them in our yards and gardens. We send them for birthdays and funerals, take them to hospitals and use them at weddings and other special occasions.
Many flowers have meanings which help people select the appropriate flowers for certain occasions.
We are going to look at the language of some plants and flowers and learn how they, along with Gods Word, can show us how to care for each other as we live by His design.
Reader 1: Ivy - Friendship
Ivy symbolizes friendship. Everyone would like to have many friends. They are always there when you need them. Jesus told His disciples, You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14
Proverbs 17:17a tells us that a friend loves at all times. Yes, friends are very important. Show someone you care by being a friend. Invite her over for a cup of coffee and a visit. Share your time with another.
Reader 2: Rose - Love
The rose is the flower of love. If we love someone, we will do all we can to
help her. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The best example of love is Gods love for us in that He sent His only Son to die for us. With whom can you share your love? With whom can you share Gods love?
Reader 3: Hydrangea - Devotion
The hydrangea symbolizes devotion. How much time and attention do you give to others, and how much time and attention do you devote to God? In Pauls letter to Titus chapter 3:14, he writes, Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
Think about it! What time do you have set aside for daily devotion with God? We should follow the example of the early Christians recorded in Acts 2:42, They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Reader 4: Poppy - Consolation
The poppy is the flower of consolation. To be consoled by someones kind words or acts is very comforting. In Psalm 94:19 we read, When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. God is always there for you. Wont you share your knowledge of Him with someone who needs Him?
Reader 5: Lily - Purity
The lily symbolizes purity. It is said to be one of the oldest flowers in the world. We remember the beatitude from Jesus Sermon on the Mount, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
And in 1 Peter 1:22 we read, Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. That is sincere love!
Reader 6: Lily-of-the-Valley - Happiness
Lily-of-the-Valley means return to happiness. You can bring happiness to others by letting them know that you care about them. You might visit the elderly in nursing home, the sick or someone who is lonely. To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:26a
And remember, a happy heart makes the face cheerful. Proverbs 15:13a
Do you know those who are unhappy? Let them know that you and God care about them. Be sure to share with others that your happiness comes from having God live within you.
Leader: Our last flower in the bouquet is the dogwood. The cross is said to have been made from the dogwood tree. The petals of the dogwood flower resemble the shape of the cross, and each tip is slightly notched and tinted brown to represent Christs wound. Places dogwood flowers into the center of the bouquet.
Since love is such an important word, we surround our bouquet with a garland of roses. Place garland around bouquet. This reminds us of how Gods love surrounds each of us.
Each individual flower is pretty by itself, but when placed together in a design, the flowers become a beautiful bouquet for all to enjoy. We are part of Gods design. He loves and cares for us and wants us to do the same for one another. The symbols of the flowers and the related messages from Gods Word can help us understand the importance of caring for each other.