The Christmas Rose

The rose is one of the most exquisite of flowers. Though it can be cultivated close to perfection by many, only God can create that which is perfect. It was Clement of Alexander in 200 A.D., who wrote, ‘If I give you a rose, you will not doubt of God!’ We do not doubt of God because we have seen Him in the perfection of Jesus Christ. Because of His perfection, the prophets made references to the rose when speaking of the Messiah.  Isaiah tells us that when the Kingdom comes, ‘…the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.’ In the Song of Solomon, the coming Messiah is seen as wondrous as ‘…the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.’

Again we hear from the prophet Isaiah: "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon: they shall see the glory of Jehovah, the excellency of our God." Isaiah 35:1-2 As we hear these words that portray a gentle and loving Savior, we are reminded that He cares for us as a Shepherd cares for His sheep, with compassion, love, and sacrifice. We place the Christmas rose on our altar table at the foot of the cross during Advent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqfXy-qgxRY “The Christmas Rose” performed by Selah