LO! HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING

LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING, is a familiar and beloved Advent Hymn.  This hymn’s origin begins years ago in the late 16^th century.  Although there is some speculation as to the story, it apparently can be traced back to a manuscript found in St. Alban’s monastery in Trier, Germany.  Some sources say that the original version contained between 19 and 23 stanzas that focused on the events of Luke chapters 1 and 2 and Matthew chapter 2.

Some sources claim that the focus of the hymn was originally upon Mary, who has been compared to the ‘mystical rose’.  There has also been discussion as to the original German word.  Was it ‘Ros’ translated as rose, or ‘Reis’ translated as branch.  In Isaiah 35:1 we read, “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”  Who is referred to as the rose?

In the words of this hymn, the rose symbol does represent Christ Who is the Light of the World, and Who “dispels in glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.”  Further, Jesus is referred to as “True Man, yet very God” Who “From sin and death, He saves us, And lightens every load.”  It is a wonderful message of the true Light that came down at Christmas!