02 December 2013

Madelon And The Legend...

Beauty of a Rose low resolution for web photo sleepingrosesresthoughtsandimagesalongtheway_zpsdb37fa90.jpg

(Source: Photo by Nina Bille of Thoughts and Images Along the Way )

For our own Madelon...

The Legend of the Christmas Rose speaks of a young girl named Madelon 

who wanted to come worship the Christ Child. Seeing the gold, frankincense 
and myrrh brought by others who were drawn to the humble birthplace, 
she despaired that she had no gift to bring, for Madelon was poor indeed.

In vain she searched the countryside for a flower that she might bring, but the 

winter had been cold and harsh – and there were no flowers to be found. 
Saddened, the girl began to weep. An angel passing over her stopped to 
provide comfort and smote the ground that was wet from her tears. There did
spring a beautiful bush that bloomed of white roses.


"Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold," said the angel, "is offering more 

to the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses." And thus young Madelon
went her way and worshiped the Prince of Peace, bearing the gift of her heart 
and tears.


The Legend of the Christmas Rose is founded on the 
following 15th C. poem:


A Rose has sprung from a tender root,
From Jesus, as those of old have sung,
And it bore a flower,
In the middle of a cold winter,

When half spent was the night.
Isaiah foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
Is Mary the pure, the little flower has brought us.
From God's eternal wisdom, she bore a child,
And remained pure.

The Flower, so small, whose sweet fragrance fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man and truer God, helps us out of all sorrows,
Saves from sin and death.

Oh Jesus, until we leave this misery,
Let your help guide us into joy,
In Your Father's Kingdom, where we eternally praise You.
Oh God, allow us this.

Translated from the early 15th century German poem 

"Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen." 

(Author unknown)



6 comments:

  1. Noelle,
    I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading about the Legend Of The Christmas Rose. I've never heard it before, and it was so wonderful. You know how much I love roses, so this was a special story to me.

    Enjoy the holiday season, Noelle. Oh, and I think it's great that you grind your own coffee. My husband often makes his at home too.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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    Replies
    1. Sheri, whilst I much prefer wild flowers (poppies especially) I am partial to the old roses...Their unique scent is heavenly!

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  2. I've never come across this story before but roses are not rare here at Christmas time, the house just up the road from me has just planted about 30 of them and it's so pretty at the moment.
    Merle...............

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    Replies
    1. Oh dear, planting roses would be lovely at this time of the year but for the first time in the 11 years we have lived here, I feel the cold...
      Frost everywhere and houses are not insulated for this kind of weather on the island...Br...
      Tell Angus however that Mac is happy (hoping for snow likely), Born on 16 March 2006, he is a snow baby (Idaho breeder). He loved snow in the mountains (we still had snow in early June by the cabin) and could make 'angel wings' like no one else!
      Hugs,

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  3. Such a tale to be told again and again. So touched by Madelon's beautiful and gracious heart meeting her Angel of comfort and glory. You have expressed it so beautifully today, Noelle!
    w/L

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    Replies
    1. A beautiful legend and a name we love!
      All the best and keep warm,

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