Merry Christmas!

From Jesse's Stock Up-Springing

From Jesse's stock up-springing,
On tender root has grown:
A rose by Prophet's singing,
To all the world made known.
The rose 'midst winter's cold,
A lovely blossom bearing,
In former days foretold.

This rose then of my story
Isaiah did proclaim.
What God ordained in glory
By blessed Mary came.
The Child the virgin bore,
The world's salvation bringing
Through Him for evermore.

The rosebud small and tender
Gives fragrance every day.
And by its brilliant splendor
Makes darkness pass away.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.

Since all He comes to ransom,
By all be He adored;
The Infant born in Bethle'm,
The Saviour and the Lord.
Repeat the hymn again;
"To God on high be glory,
And peace on earth to men!"

This is my favorite Christmas hymn for three reasons. First, I love the imagery within the text. Second, the tune is beautiful, even if it is difficult to sing in parts. And thirdly, it is the hymn that my friend (also named Jessi- no "e") and I always would request in youth group carol-sings, because it had our name in it. : )

HT for tune: www.sermonaudio.com