Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! There is no better time to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With all there is to be heartbroken about across the globe, we can take comfort in the incredible peace and love we have in Christ!
Scripture tells us of Jesus’ arrival upon this earth as a little baby, born to the virgin Mary – fully man, yet fully God. He rested in the lowly state of a manger, for there was no room at the inn. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the One who saves us all from sin and death – the Savior of the world. Scripture also tells us that if we put our trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are the children of God!
Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn [emphasis mine].”
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
“For unto us a Child is born, [u]nto us a Son is given; [a]nd the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace [emphasis mine].”
John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved [emphasis mine].”
Acts 4:11-12 (Amplified Bible)
Peter Speaks to the High Priest, Magistrates, Elders and Scribes
“This Jesus is the stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else [emphasis mine]; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
John 1:12 (NKJV)
“But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God [emphasis mine], to those who believe in His name…”.
FGGAM started this daily series of Christmas songs on December 14, 2023. I’ll update this article with a new Christmas music videos each day until Christmas!
The feature for today (Day 7) is the song or hymn Lo How A Rose E’re Blooming. This brass band arrangement was recorded and released in 2012 by Mannheim Steamroller, a unique musical group also known for lighter renditions of Christmas music. In this case, the music is instrumental and beautifully played.
I’ve included the lyrics below, which are poetically moving and foretell of the coming salvation of Jesus. I’m especially struck by the last stanza, signaling the coming Light of the world and the dispelling of darkness, although the entire poem is powerful.
This song or hymn is often played during the season of Advent. I’ve included it because of its beauty and resilience, not to stir a theological or poetic debate. Over the centuries, the song or hymn has been also known as “A Spotless Rose” or “Behold A Rose Of Judah.” The rose has been interpreted to refer to the virgin Mary, although the clear reference of the coming of Christ and His lineage cannot be mistaken!
I hope you enjoy Mannheim Steamroller’s brass band version of Lo How A Rose E’re Blooming:
Here are the lyrics:
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.
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 to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.
This Flow’r, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.
May God richly bless you! Please come back to FGGAM’s website every day until Christmas for The 12 Days Of Christmas Songs (2023).
Merry Christmas! Praise Jesus forevermore!
Please click below to see the previous 12 Days Of Christmas Songs “2023” articles:
