Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming
Lo how a rose ere blooming from tender stem hath sprung
A Christmas hymn drawing on Isaiah 11:1 — the image of a rose blooming from the root of Jesse as an image of the incarnation. The delicate imagery of a winter flower blooming in the cold is a beautiful metaphor for the incarnation.
History & Background
A German carol Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, first published in 1599. Translated by Theodore Baker (1851-1934) in 1894. The tune ES IST EIN ROS is by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 272
- Gather 4th Edition — 496
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 58
- Lutheran Service Book — 359
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 645
Bulletin Note
Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming — German carol, c.1599; tr. Baker, 1894
Preaching Connection
Isaiah 11:1 — the shoot from the root of Jesse; the incarnation as the flower of Israel's hope.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (expectant longing) → Gospel (miraculous birth) → Gospel (proclamation of Christ's glory) → Gospel (prayer for sanctification)
Themes
Christmas Incarnation Isaiah 11 Rose of Sharon