Lo, How A Rose ...
by Brenda Bauer (Region 3)

The hymn, Lo, how a Rose, took on a new meaning for me last summer.  I remember a childhood Christmas program where the trees were decorated with white and red roses.  It was based upon this song and the scripture. from Isaiah 11. It would refer to Jesus being born from the lineage of Jesse, King David’s father.

I had taken on the volunteer task of adopting a park near my apartment.  In the park were plans for a community garden.  It was grown up in thistles. Amidst the thistles, I discovered rose bushes.  So, I started the task of pulling and digging out weeds and thistles This was an enormous task. I put on leather gloves trying not to be pricked by the roses or thistles.  But occasionally I would be pierced and blood would come forth. But I would sit on a bucket for about one to two hours a day weeding.  I had just recently researched methods to save the roses which consisted of mixture of a strong vinegar solution, dawn detergent, epsom salts, and water which would be sprayed at the base of the root. I had informed the city of this plan. I cleared 12 of the roses.  But, when I returned the next week, I saw the roses were mowed down. I hoped the roses would recover, but so did the thistles.  But seeing some life springing forth from the roses, I continued the weeding.  I had about a third of the garden weeded.  I return again to see they were mowed down again.  I was told that they were a hopeless cause.  But I was so thankful to have a park commissioner, Carol and the owner of Serenity Assisted Living, Tim who intervened.  They set a plan into place of transplanting the roses near a retention pond and also to save some for Serenity Assisted Living. Amazingly there would be over 30 roses which would be saved. 

But during this time, the vision of hope and beauty would not be lost. I envisioned Jesus Christ being that rose of hope.  Coming from the branch of Jesse.  Born of Mary, he would be that white rose, blameless and without sin.  He would take our sins upon himself.  He would suffer, with the scourging, whipping, the crown of thorns, and then crucifixion. He even would have vinegar put to his lips as He cried out, “I Thirst!”.  He would also be the red rose for us.  This rose would be a symbol of resurrection and hope.  He would not die, but give us the promise of eternal life. 

So, when I feel discouraged, suffer pain, losses, or fear I need to look to Jesus who brings me hope, peace for my soul, the promise of a resurrection, and most of all his love.  There is hope for next year that we can provide a garden for all those in need.
Read: Isaiah 11

Sing or listen to a version:   Lo, How a Rose.

            Lo, how a rose is 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.

           

            Isaiah had 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 to us a Savior, when half spent was the night

           

            This flow’r so small and tender, with fragrance fills the air;

            His brightness ends the darkness that kept the earth in fear,

            True God and yet true man,

            He came to save his people from earth’s dark night of sin.

 

            O Savior, child of Mary, who felt our human woe;

            O Savior, king of glory, who dost our weakness know,

            Bring us at length, we pray,

            To the bright courts of heaven and into endless day.