Es ist ein Ros entsprungen,
aus einer Wurzel zart,
wie uns die Alten sungen,
von Jesse war die Art
Und hat ein Blümlein bracht
mitten im kalten Winter,
wohl zu der halben Nacht.
– author Unknown

Today, a break from the birds and an image of a rose from a recently purchased bouquet. The image got one of my favourite Christmas carols rolling through my head. Growing up in a German household, the original words take me back to simpler times and my parents, sister, and grandmother. My parents and grandmother have all since passed away, leaving only memories.

The music is so familiar, yet the English version, by Theodore Baker (1894), now dominates my brain, until I look back on the German words and it all comes rushing back to me. I can almost smell the sweet fragrances of childhood at home and see the smiles of loved ones, now gone.

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.

So, I consider and share this image of a red winter rose, a flower my father could cultivate with ease, as a connection to faith, family, and the simple beauty that was and is Christmas season; a bright rose, that warms dark, cold days; whose fragrance reminds me of warm days in the garden, and symbolizes love for so many of us. As Christmas rapidly approaches, my wish is that all of us can keep an eye open for these small glimpses of beauty and calm, and feel a sense of peace throughout the holidays.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 130 mm
1 sec, f/25.0, ISO 200

Hi Resolution image on 500px

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