Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

About the Carol

Originally, "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" was known as the German song Es ist ein Ros entsprungen. The German version was first published by an unknown author in the 16th century. It was translated several times into English, but the most well-known translation is by Theodore Baker (1851-1934) in 1894.

Lyrics ^{Back to Top ↑}

Analysis of Carol ^{Back to Top ↑}

Jesse, like his son King David, is the subject of a few prophecies concerning Jesus. Isaiah writes, And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.^{Isaiah 11:1-3}

We do not know if Jesus was born during winter, however it is unlikely. The reason Mary and Joseph were even in Bethlehem was because Caesar Augustus wanted to tax them. It is unlikely that Caesar would want his subjects to travel during winter, which could expose some risk to the elderly or those with children.

The New Testament writers did not record when Mary gave birth. From tradition, believe that Jesus was born during nighttime.

Isaiah prophesied, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.^{Isaiah 7:14}

Most English translations say that Mary was a virgin. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.^{Luke 1:27}

The reason why God sent Jesus was because of his love for us. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.^{John 3:16}

Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before seeing death.^{Luke 2:25, 26} When Simeon saw Jesus, he picked him up and said, For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.Luke 2:30-32

John also testifies that Jesus is light. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.^{1st John 1:5}

Jesus is both man and Lord. Otherwise, Jesus would have rebuked Thomas when he replied, My Lord and my God,^{John 20:28} to Jesus. And Jesus is man, else John would not have written, Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.^{1st John 4:2, 3}

Jesus is the only way to be redeemed from sin. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.^{1st John 1:7} Jesus is the way unto life eternal. He said of himself, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.^{John 3:15}

While we are still responsible for what we are responsible for, Jesus is willing to share our load if we will share his. Jesus offers us his yoke. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.^{Matthew 11:28-30}