Loveliest flower was I to see,
In the garden of Gethsemane.
My head erect, my pure white face
Such a delight for all to embrace.

For all who entered the garden gate,
I’d boldly lift my head and wait
‘Til they gazed upon my beauty fair.
All who came would see me there.

On the night before he was crucified,
Jesus entered. He passed me by.
He wept and prayed in silence there.
All my friends bowed their heads in prayer.

In pity and sorrow they gathered round,
Except for me. I could not be found.
I would not join in. I was much too proud.
Bow my lovely head? No, I would not allow!

News spread quickly, the very next day.
All ’round the garden, I heard everyone say
Jesus was going to be crucified.
Oh, I wanted to run. I wanted to hide!

I’d been much too vain to hang my head low,
That first Good Friday; long, long, ago.
I would not join the others who prayed with our King.
Now, how can I bear such a sorrowful thing?

No longer will I proudly face the sun.
My head will hang lowly, ashamed of what I’ve done.
My blossom forever will down turned be,
In honor of Jesus; at Gethsemane.

(by Dot McGinnis)

For many, the beautiful trumpet-shaped white flowers symbolize purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life—the spiritual essence of Easter.
History, mythology, literature, poetry and the world of art are rife with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. Often called the “white-robed apostles of hope,” lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ’s agony.Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ’s sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress.Churches continue this tradition at Easter time by banking their altars and surrounding their crosses with masses of Easter Lilies, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting.A mark of purity and grace throughout the ages, the regal white lily is a fitting symbol of the greater meaning of Easter.Gracing millions of homes and churches, the flowers embody joy, hope and life.Whether given as a gift or enjoyed in your own home, the Easter Lily serves as a beautiful reminder that Easter is a time for rejoicing and celebrating.

The Easter lamb, representing Christ, with the flag of victory, may be seen in pictures and images in the homes of every central and eastern European family. The lamb was often sacrificed as offerings to God by the Hebrews long before the first Passover. When Jesus died, he gave himself as an offering to God for the sins of the world. Early Christians then saw the lamb as a symbol of Jesus and used it for Easter celebration. Many people serve lamb as part of the Easter feast.

INGREDIENTS

* 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
* 1 (16 ounce) can white frosting
* 3 cups flaked coconut
* 2 black jellybeans
* 1 black shoestring licorice
* 2 drops green food coloring

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake in two halves of a stand-up lamb cake pan. Cool completely.
2. Stick the two halves of the lamb together using white frosting. Sit the lamb up and frost the entire lamb. Coat the entire lamb with coconut. Decorate with jelly beans for eyes, and licorice for whiskers. Tint any remaining coconut with green food color and use as grass.

Easter bunny.The rabbit, or hare, was a symbol of abundant new life in ancient times, and reminds us of spring and new life.The Easter Bunny is a mythological rabbit who brings gifts and candy to children on the Easter holiday.The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore.
The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.