The Legend of
The Christmas Rose

On their journey to Bethlehem, the Wise Men happened to meet a peasant girl named Madelon.  As Madelon gazed upon their gifts, she was saddened because she had nothing to give to the Savior ~ not even a flower because it was winter.

She noticed the fragrance of a lily and looked up to see an angel, who had heard her sad cries.  The angel waved the lily and made the pathway bloom with Christmas Roses.

Madelon gathered some blooms in her arms and followed the Wise Men.  After the Wise Men had presented their gifts, Mary noticed Madelon standing there and told her to present her gift.

The Holy Child turned and smiled at the peasant girl and when the fingers of JESUS touched the white flowers, they turned pink.

~ author unknown ~

 

 

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
(This 15th Century Carol was originally written in German.
In 1894 Theodore Baker translated the first 2 stanzas to English,
Later, Harriet Reynolds Krauth translated the remaining portion)
This hymn was sung in the 1971 Academy Award winning movie "Love Story"

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming, as those 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;
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.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness every where;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

 

 

The song playing is
"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"

 

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© 1999 - Cathy