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Hymnal Number
720Resource Type:
Keys included:
F
About this Hymn
This German hymn, first published in 1599, was originally written with two verses that describe the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah and reference the genealogies of Christ. It focuses on the rose sprouting from the rod of Jesse, and then in verse 2 explains the story to all of us, revealing the rose to be the Lord Jesus. This hymn has inspired art of all descriptions and remains a popular carol today.
Lyrics
Verse 1
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 flow'ret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night.
Verse 2
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 for us a Savior, when half-spent was the night.
Verse 3
This flow'r, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness ev'rywhere. True man, yet very God; from sin and death he saves us and lightens ev'ry load.
Verse 4
O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe; O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know, bring us at last, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven and to thy endless day.
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 flow'ret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night.
Verse 2
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 for us a Savior, when half-spent was the night.
Verse 3
This flow'r, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness ev'rywhere. True man, yet very God; from sin and death he saves us and lightens ev'ry load.
Verse 4
O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe; O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know, bring us at last, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven and to thy endless day.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Sts. 1–2, 4, German carol, 15th c.; st. 3, Friedrich Layriz, 1844; tr. sts. 1-2, Theodore Baker, 1894; st. 3, Harriet Spaeth, 1875; st. 4, John C. Mattes, 1914
Music: Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengeseng, 1599; harm. Michael Praetorius, 1609
Music: Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengeseng, 1599; harm. Michael Praetorius, 1609