Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
The Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra Lyrics
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From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
As men of old have sung
It came a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-spent was the night
Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
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 lyrics of this song, which is based on an old German hymn, describe the blooming of a beautiful rose from a tender stem. The rose is said to come from the lineage of Jesse, as prophesied by Isaiah. The lyrics suggest that this rose, a symbol of purity, brightness, and beauty, appeared in the midst of winter when the night was half-spent. The rose is further associated with Mary, the Virgin Mother, who carried and gave birth to the Savior, thus exemplifying God's love for humanity.
The song's emphasis on the blooming of a rose, particularly in the context of winter, is often interpreted as a symbol of hope and renewal. The rose is seen as a metaphor for Jesus Christ, whose birth brought salvation and light into a dark and troubled world. The lyrics also highlight the role of Mary, emphasizing her kindness and her pivotal role in God's plan for humanity.
Overall, "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" is a lyrical representation of the Christmas story, with a focus on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the role played by Mary. It explores themes of hope, redemption, and the manifestation of God's love through the imagery of a blooming rose.
Line by Line Meaning
Lo, how a rose e'er blooming
Behold, a beautiful rose is in full bloom
From tender stem hath sprung!
It has grown from a delicate stem
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
Coming from the family line of Jesse
As men of old have sung
As it has been sung by ancient people
It came a flow'ret bright,
It arrived as a bright flower
Amid the cold of winter
In the midst of the cold winter
When half-spent was the night
During the time when the night was halfway gone
Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
Isaiah had prophesied about it
The rose I have in mind
The rose I am referring to
With Mary we behold it,
Together with Mary, we see it
The Virgin Mother kind
The gentle Virgin Mother
To show God's love aright
To demonstrate God's love correctly
She bore to men a Savior
She gave birth to a Savior for mankind
When half-spent was the night
During the time when the night was halfway gone
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kolner Gesangbuch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind