Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (#87 of 365+)

Joni shared about her and Ken’s favorite Christmas tradition: To dress in their finest and treat their entire family to an elegant dining experience in Beverly Hills. As she described the beauty of
Wilshire Boulevard trimmed with Christmas decorations—and the restaurant, with waiters in tuxedos and tables set with crystal, linen, silver, and candlelight—I couldn’t help but think of our future celebration with Christ in a city more beautiful than anywhere on earth.

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9)

Joni’s favorite part of the dinner seemed to be the quartet of carolers dressed in Victorian clothes who take customer requests at every table. I have to admit that I had never heard of her favorite carol Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. So I looked up the lyrics and then copied and pasted them here:
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Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men 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 men 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 everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!
- - -

Joni said, “To me, this song has always been an invitation to know and experience more of what Christmas really means. It’s an inkling, a hint, a whisper of an even greater celebration yet to be. Soon, and very soon, the Rose of Sharon will return... putting every wrong to right and reigning as Prince of Peace and King of Kings”. She indicated this song usually brings tears to her eyes. I guess the Christmas carol that moves me deeply like that is O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Here are the lyrics:
- - -
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
- - -

Yes. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.