Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming

Es Ist Un Ros Entsprungen (or Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming) is my favorite Christmas hymn, and really one of my favorite musical compositions period. Written sometime in the 16th century, this German hymn uses the metaphor of a rose rising up through the snow to represent the birth of Jesus. And, as anyone who reads this blog knows, I tend to have my own way of interpreting religious myths. Basically, it's important to me that these ancient stories are not simply about worshipping a diety or messiah, but that they somehow celebrate my own life, and the lives of my loved ones, here in this reality. So, to me, Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming is a celebration of kids in general, all of whom are saviors in their own way, and who represent hope and rejuvination for the world. The reference to Mary, meanwhile, is a reference to all mothers, whose love and selflessness makes all of that hope and rejuvination a reality. (I still haven't reconciled myself with the lack of a father figure in the myth of Jesus' birth, but that's a post for another day). So this post is dedicated to my lovely wife and our wonderful son, both of whom feel to me like roses in midwinter. In honor of them, here's a few versions of this very cool hymn.

Here's a clip of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing with soloist Renee Fleming (lyrics below)...

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming, as seers of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

O' Flower, whose fragrance tender whose sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us,
And share our every every load.

 

Tori Amos created a very cool song by combining Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming with The Holly and the Ivy, and adding a few lyrics of her own. The song also includes some verses sung by Amos' daughter, Natashya...

But probably the most beautiful way to experience Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming is when it is performed by a children's choir. Here's some kids dressed like sailors who also happen to sing like angels. Enjoy...

The Art of Christian Mythology

Just in time for the season of lights, here are five of my favorite works of art inspired by Christian mythology. Hope you enjoy...

1. Mass in B Minor

Near the end of his life, Johann Sebastian Bach pieced together a number of his smaller compositions and the result was the Mass in B Minor. It's essentially a complete Latin Catholic mass set to classical music. And it's also considered one of the greatest classical works ever composed.




2. La Sagrada Familia

This modern-day cathedral is the brainchild of the great Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Construction was begun in 1882 and is still ongoing. If you're ever in Barcelona, it's a must see, along with Gaudi's other unique and inspiring creations.




3. Christmas Music. Okay. I admit it. Every year, come the end of November, I get a little bit excited to hear Christmas music. Here are my top 5 favorite Christmas albums.

Charlie Brown Christmas

The Christmas Collection by Il Divo

Christmas Favorites by the Vienna Boys Choir

Noel by Joan Baez

Songs for Christmas by Sufjan Stevens

4. Hieronymus Bosch and The Garden of Earthly Delights

In addition to having one of the coolest names ever, this guy was also a famous painter. This triptych is one of the most bizarre and creative paintings ever, and for that reason it makes my list. 

5. Jesus Christ Superstar

What do you get when you mix 70s culture with Jesus? That's right. You get apostles driving hippie vans through the desert, disco-dancing angels, and some seriously rockin' guitar riffs. Thank you Andrew Lloyd Webber for creating one of the coolest works of art to ever come from Christian mythology.