Jesus and a Sand Dollar?

We are getting toward the end of our animal kingdom study and have entered the world of echnioderms. Today we discussed sea urchins, starfish and sand dollars. When I mentioned to my mother that we were getting ready to study these creatures she mentioned that she actually had a starfish and some sand dollars at home that we could borrow to look at. I learned that there are "doves" that live inside the sand dollar and she said we were welcome to break open the smaller one so the girls could see the "doves". In addition to sharing the sand dollars and starfish, she shared a poem as well. We enjoyed this poem so much!

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There’s a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lovely shell.

If you examine closely,
you’ll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and lead them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol ,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown

The girls actually gasped as I broke the sand dollar and the doves fell out. They were really having fun checking out the hollow center of the sand dollar and the doves.

Here is Peanut taking a VERY close up look.