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...