Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

This hymn/carol really snuck up on me. 

I have always loved the tune for its reverent, sober joyfulness [who doesn't love Praetorius? If you don't, leave now], but when I was working on the Christmas playlist for this year, I realized I had at least 4 versions on there. 

Our lectionary reading for a few Sundays ago, repeated at the Wednesday night Vespers service, in addition to our choral song, had to do with Isaiah 11, the shoot from Jesse's stump. It's been on my mind a lot this Advent season: how God can work out his purposes through unexpectedly humble means. 

I encourage you to spend some time reading the alternate translations, or perhaps this piece on the gradual Protestantizing of the lyrics. 

The final verse of the literal translation from the German is this:

The floweret, so small
That smells so sweet to us
With its clear light
Dispels the darkness.
True man and true God!
He helps us from all trouble,
Saves us from sin and death.

Growing up in a tradition that thought Jesus was less powerful as an infant than at any other stage of his life, I have an increasing wonder that this child was indeed true God and true man. 

It's easy to become accustomed to the miracles told in Scripture - this song helps me take a step back and be once again filled with awe.