Gladiolus Symbol for ''The Word Made Flesh''

The floral family of Iridaceae: Gladiolus,
Iris and Crocus is used to symbolize
the Incarnation.

       Somewhat less common than the lily, the Gladiolus was also a floral symbol used in earlier churches to signify the Incarnation. (according to Webber) Gladiolus sometimes where used in place of the iris because both are Iridaceae. Crocus are also Iridaceae and may be found in the margins of medieval illuminated texts/Bibles as well. All three flowers have three true petals, three sepals and three stamens. So it appears that the repetition of three is of greater significance in the choice of a blossom used to depict the incarnation, because the number three is also a reminder of the trinitarian nature of God.

Scriptures That Reference The Incarnation:

• ''Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.'' John 3:16
• ''So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.''John 1:14
• ''Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.'' Hebrews 1:1-2
• ''But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.'' Galatians 4:4-5
• ''All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will Give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). Isaiah 7:14
  
• This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ''Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'' - and I am the worst of them all. But God hand mercky on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst of sinners. Then others will realize that they too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unssen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 Timothy 1: 15-17