Uplook - December 9, 2023
Dear Seattle Saints,
As I have contemplated this Christmas Season, I am reminded of one of our dear saints who went to be with the Lord, this past year. Her name was Sis. Louise Fisher. She, along with her husband, Bro. Don were among the founding members of our congregation back in the late 1950’s. When we moved to Seattle (the first time) in 1997, Sis. Louise was in her late 60’s. She had taught Sunday school through the years and had coordinated many Sunday School Christmas programs but was currently “retired”. She expressed to me her desire to coordinate “One more program” and I agreed. She dusted off some of the filed away books and decorations and away we went with the program. Our two older children were both teens at the time and I must admit that some of the songs in the program were previously unknown to them. In fact, one in particular…they made a little fun of. It is the lyrics of that German Christmas carol which I now share with you along with some history.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming, as those of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior, When half spent was the night.
The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright, How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night. To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger they found Him, As angel heralds said.
This Flower, 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.
The author of lyrics of this early 15th Century German carol is lost in antiquity. The words of the first two stanzas were translated by Theodore Baker in 1894. Stanzas 3-4 were translated by Harriet Reynolds Krauth (1845-1925).
The Music, "Es Ist Ein Ros',", comes from Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengesäng, 1599. Harmony was added to the melody by Michael Praetorius in 1609. You may recognize the tune also as A Great and Mighty Wonder.
Tomorrow morning will mark our first Children’s Christmas program since the pandemic. While the children are not singing what my children ended up calling “That Blooming Rose” that year, somehow I don’t think Sis. Louise will mind too much, as her faith has now turned to sight and she is experiencing what the scripture calls “Joy unspeakable and full of glory”. May you also experience a measure of that joy this Christmas season.
Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
As I have contemplated this Christmas Season, I am reminded of one of our dear saints who went to be with the Lord, this past year. Her name was Sis. Louise Fisher. She, along with her husband, Bro. Don were among the founding members of our congregation back in the late 1950’s. When we moved to Seattle (the first time) in 1997, Sis. Louise was in her late 60’s. She had taught Sunday school through the years and had coordinated many Sunday School Christmas programs but was currently “retired”. She expressed to me her desire to coordinate “One more program” and I agreed. She dusted off some of the filed away books and decorations and away we went with the program. Our two older children were both teens at the time and I must admit that some of the songs in the program were previously unknown to them. In fact, one in particular…they made a little fun of. It is the lyrics of that German Christmas carol which I now share with you along with some history.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse's lineage coming, as those of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior, When half spent was the night.
The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright, How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night. To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger they found Him, As angel heralds said.
This Flower, 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.
The author of lyrics of this early 15th Century German carol is lost in antiquity. The words of the first two stanzas were translated by Theodore Baker in 1894. Stanzas 3-4 were translated by Harriet Reynolds Krauth (1845-1925).
The Music, "Es Ist Ein Ros',", comes from Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengesäng, 1599. Harmony was added to the melody by Michael Praetorius in 1609. You may recognize the tune also as A Great and Mighty Wonder.
Tomorrow morning will mark our first Children’s Christmas program since the pandemic. While the children are not singing what my children ended up calling “That Blooming Rose” that year, somehow I don’t think Sis. Louise will mind too much, as her faith has now turned to sight and she is experiencing what the scripture calls “Joy unspeakable and full of glory”. May you also experience a measure of that joy this Christmas season.
Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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