Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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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 flower bright
Amid the cold of winter
When half-spent was the night

Isaiah 'twas foretold it
The rose I have in mind
And so then 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

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming," Sufjan Stevens is using the image of a rose as a metaphor for the birth of Jesus Christ. Roses are often symbolized as beauty and grace and in this context, it represents the miraculous birth of Jesus from a humble origin. The "tender stem" signifies the humble and unassuming beginnings of Jesus's lineage, tracing back to Jesse (a figure from the Old Testament genealogy). The lyrics draw upon ancient prophecies and hymns that have celebrated the coming of a messianic figure from the line of Jesse.


The second verse paints a vivid picture of the birth of Jesus as a "flower bright" that blooms amidst the cold and darkness of winter. This imagery underscores the idea of hope and renewal that Jesus's birth brings to a world shrouded in darkness and despair. This contrast between the cold winter night and the blossoming flower symbolizes the arrival of light and salvation in the midst of darkness and struggle.


The mention of Isaiah in the third verse refers to the Old Testament prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah. The rose mentioned here is a symbol of the promised Savior, who is born to the Virgin Mother. The reference to the Virgin Mother further emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus's birth, signifying that he is not of earthly conception but a divine gift to humanity. The lyrics celebrate the fulfillment of prophecies and the revelation of God's love through the birth of Jesus.


In the final verse, the act of the Virgin Mother bearing a Savior is seen as a demonstration of God's love for humanity. Jesus is presented as the embodiment of divine love and salvation, sent to earth to redeem mankind. The phrase "when half-spent was the night" suggests that Jesus's birth signifies a turning point, a moment of hope and salvation breaking through the darkness of the world. Overall, the lyrics of "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" encapsulate the themes of prophecy, salvation, and divine love, weaving together ancient imagery and symbols to convey the significance of Jesus's birth in the Christian tradition.


Line by Line Meaning

Lo, how a rose e'er blooming
Behold the beautiful rose that continues to blossom


From tender stem hath sprung
Growing delicately from a young plant


Of Jesse's lineage coming
From the line of Jesse, as prophesied


As those of old have sung
As ancient prophecies have been sung


It came, a flower bright
Arriving as a bright flower


Amid the cold of winter
In the midst of a harsh winter


When half-spent was the night
During the darkest part of the night


Isaiah 'twas foretold it
This was foretold by Isaiah


The rose I have in mind
Thinking of the rose in question


And so then we behold it
As we now witness it appearing


The Virgin Mother kind
The gentle Virgin Mother


To show God's love aright
To demonstrate God's love correctly


She bore to us a Savior
She gave birth to a Savior for us


When half-spent was the night
During the darkest part of the night




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@peteralbert1485

This Christmas album has become one of my favorites, as regular as eggnog and the quiet Christmas Eve of tree gazing, candy canes already in place, after my kids have finally gone to sleep.

@mauriciovergara638

Amo esta canción. Love it ♥️

@uglycalendar4178

Awesome rendition of an awesome song.

@knittinbarb

Cool rendition!

@conantheseptuagenarian3824

no comments? seriously? fantastic song.

@sowsearsoup

Haunting and beautiful

@johnwhiteii5832

Louisa United Methodist Church echoes.

@michaeljohncarley4068

Agreed lol

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