Hope for the New Year

 When I was an awkward teenager, I found great solace in being a part of our school's Glee Club. I was an alto, and likely a poor one, but the fellowship I felt in blending my single voice with others to create a beautiful sound was magical. 

                                            

Awkward Alto at 15

 

Our choir director, E. Carl Witt, aka Mr. Witt, took our musical offerings seriously. He brought talent, patience, and true enjoyment to a group of first time singers. How he impacted the lives of so many students is a topic for another day, but suffice it to say, his positive influence and teachings flourished in our rehearsals and performances. 

School Choir with Mr. Witt, far left

Our Christmas concert was always highly anticipated.  Mr. Witt was above the challenge of well worn Christmas carols. Instead he stretched our ability and knowledge by introducing such beautiful pieces as Hark to the Bells, Lullay Lullay, and Here We Come a Caroling. Accomanpied by my dear friend, Jill Glover (Upchurch), we sang our hearts out trying to perfect each carol.We worked on each part in turn then pieced them together with astonished pride. 

The song that most warmed my heart with the wonder of season was, and is, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming. It's beautiful lyrics tell the story of the sacred birth through beautiful language and imagry. The almost mournful melody with it's unexpected pauses bring the words to vivid life. Originally published in German in 1599, it has stood the test of time. Robinson Myer of The Atlantic wrote "This is a hymn about beholding and listening. It's about watching revelation flourish." 

1. 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.
2. Isaiah ’twas foretold it,
   The Rose I have in mind;
   With Mary we behold it,
   The virgin mother kind.
   To show God’s love aright,
   She bore to men a Savior,
   When half spent was the night.
3. This Flow’r, 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 image of a rose blooming in the midst of winter, which chases away the darkness with a "glorious splendor" is an image that is as relevant now as it was in 1599,  As we wrestle with this Terminator of a corona virus, worry over national politics, and despair over climate change we need to be reminded of the birth of the Christ child, again, and again, and again. 

While walking this week, I  passed the home of my neighborhood friend Diane Hill. She carefully tends her beautiful yard and it is not uncommon for me to see her carefully caring for her charges. On this day we looked in wonder at the Clementis entwined around her mailbox post. The vine was dried and brown, a dead thing. But in the midst of it's decay sprang the most glorious lavender flowers, as healthy and fresh as if it were spring. We marveled at them and Diane commented that she usually sees blooms only once a year. It is a surprise, beautiful bright blooms nestled in brown and crumbling leaves. An explosion of color and hope in a sepia landscape. 

And isn't honoring the birth of Christ the same? Is he not  the one who "Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere?" 

May the Rose bring you peace, comfort, and above all, hope in 2022 and beyond. 

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose... Isaiah 35:1

If you'd like a listen, here's a lovely (and amazing) version of the carol. Enjoy!