Day Twenty-five: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty-five

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.   John 3:16 KJV

While Joe rummaged through his music collection, Dora went back to look at the Christmas rose. “I can see the pink!” she said. “I know it will bloom on Christmas Eve.”

Joy bloomed in the greenhouse as Joe joined Dora by the miraculous rose. His Darling Rose lived in his heart with his new rose, Dora. He thanked God for the legend of a small girl who gave a miraculous gift to a newborn King and the small girl who stood beside him. Music filled the greenhouse and miracles filled Joe’s heart. He knew what he would name his rose when it bloomed.

Gesu Bambino 

When blossoms flowered ‘mid the snow

Upon a winter’s night

Was born a child

The Christmas Rose

The King of love and light.

The angels sang, the shepherds sang,

The grateful earth rejoiced

And at his blessed birth the stars

Their exultation voiced!

O, come let us adore Him

O, come let us adore Him

O, come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord.

(Pietro Yon 1917)

Rose History: The Christmas Rose is the only true flower that blooms in winter. It represents the purity of Mary and Jesus. The Christmas Rose is often carved into altars and embroidered on vestments. Its message of peace and hope symbolizes the Savior who brought us peace and hope.

Prayer: Holy Savior, thank you for bringing peace and hope into a dark world. Amen

Day Twenty-four: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty-four

Mary’s fiancé Joseph, from Nazareth in Galilee, had to participate in the census in the same way everyone else did. Because he was a descendant of King David, his ancestral city was Bethlehem, David’s birthplace. Mary, who was now late in her pregnancy that the messenger Gabriel had predicted, accompanied Joseph. While in Bethlehem, she went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid Him in a feeding trough because the inn had no room for them.  Luke 2:4-7

Dora began, “Last week after our Arctic Animal reports, my teacher let me push the cart back to the library. I used my regular muscles for that. When I got to the library, there was a display of new books. One of the books was The Christmas Rose!”

“Honestly?” asked Joe. 

“Yes! I took it out and read it over the weekend. It’s the same legend but the name of the shepherd girl isn’t Madelon. You’ll never guess what it is!” She pulled the book from her backpack and held it out to Joe. The beautifully painted cover showed a young girl holding a bouquet of Christmas roses before an infant lying in the straw.*

Dora opened the book and began to read, “Dorothy had three brothers, tall and strong, shepherd giants who guarded their father’s sheep. At least they were giants to her.”* 

Dora stopped. “The shepherd girl’s name is Dorothy!”

Joe chuckled, “That’s almost your name!”

“That is my name! My name is Dorothy but my family calls me Dora because my grandmother is Dorothy too.”

Joe sat up straight. “Dorothy was my wife’s, my Darling Rose’s, name too!”

“It says in the book that Dorothy means gift from God,” Dora said.

“So true!” said Joe. “My Darling Rose was a gift from God and so are you.”

“So Madelon gave the gift of roses to the baby when she was already a gift.”

“And the baby Jesus was a gift to us all,” said Joe. “Now let me play you the special song.”

Rose History: Legends, songs, and poems written about the beauty of roses remind us of the love they represent. The 30,000 varieties of roses in the world represent of the variety in God’s love.

Rose Hues: The Peace Rose, a well-known hybrid, has large flowers of cream and yellow, the edges tinged with pink. It was named Peace to commemorate the end of World War II.

Prayer: Father of all, bring us together in peace. Amen

*(The Legend of the Christmas Rose by William Hooks. Paintings by Richard A. Williams 1999)

Day Twenty-three: The Christmas Rose

 The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty-three

Then, the root of Jesse will emerge—
He rises to rule all the peoples of the world
    who come to Him for guidance and direction.
In Him they place their hope.

Romans 8:12

Joe’s daughter arrived on Saturday, tidied up the house and Joe cooked a few more meals, and left on Sunday morning. After Sunday school and church, Dora knocked on the greenhouse door. Joe was hobbling around feeding the roses and listening to another of his favorite pieces, A Spotless Rose by Herbert Howels.

A spotless Rose is blowing Sprung from a tender root,

Of ancient seers' foreshowing, Of Jesse promised fruit; Its fairest bud unfolds to light Amid the cold, cold winter And in the dark midnight. 

Quickly closing the door behind her, Dora hurried over to check on the Christmas Rose. 

“The buds look ready to open!” Dora cried. “I’m sure it will bloom for Christmas.”

Joe looked at the gray clouds hanging over the greenhouse. “I think we will have snow too.”

“Snow and roses for Christmas! Just like in the story. Now, all we need is a star, some angels, some shepherds, kings with gifts, Mary and Joseph, and a laughing baby in a manger,” Dora said.

“We still have the songs of the angels, the light of the star, and the joy of that baby,” Joe said.

“And we have the story of Madelon. Can we finish it today?”

Joe settled into his chair. “We sure can.”

The baby in the manger looked at the roses blooming on Madelon’s cheeks and laughed. His mother laughed. His father laughed. Madelon, in the light of the star, in the warmth of the stable, in the echo of the angel’s song, in the reflection of the rose’s hue and the tickle of the baby’s smile, laughed with joy. Good news had come to earth with the laughter of a child. 

    Madelon would carry it in her heart just as her arms had carried the roses that bloomed in the snow.

Even today, the Christmas Rose blooms in the cold and snow, reminding us of the miracle of a child born bringing hope, joy, and beauty to the world — the Prince of Love and Light.

The music ended as Joe ended his story. “Now, I have a special song to play for you.”

“Oh!” Dora jumped up. “I almost forgot to tell you what I found in the library!”

Prayer: I pray that God, the source of all hope, will infuse your lives with an abundance of joy and peace in the midst of your faith so that your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 8:13) Amen 

Day Twenty-two: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty-two

Nor should you worry about clothes. Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They do not work or weave or sew, and yet their garments are stunning. Matthew 6:28

Joe’s son arrived early the next morning and insisted that Joe get his wrist and ankle x-rayed. Satisfied that both were only sprained, he plugged the hole in the greenhouse glass, cooked Joe a good lunch, and stored some more meals in the freezer for the coming days. After promising to phone every evening and visit on the weekend, Curt left him cozied up in his chair with a steaming cup of cocoa and some music playing on the stereo, Alexander Borodin’s From My Tears Sprang Flowers, a Russian song based on a poem. Many blooming flowers spring forth from my tears, and my sighing becomes joined with the chorus of the nightingales. Not exactly a Christmas Rose but close. 

Joe was drifting off when the doorbell chimed. Without waiting for Joe to answer, Dora pushed open the door and skipped inside. 

“Mom said not to stay too long today because you have to rest. Do you need any help today?”

“My son fed me and the roses so I am all set,” Joe said.

“I want to hear the end of Madelon’s story but I can wait— just like you are waiting for the Christmas Rose to bloom. Wouldn’t it be great if it bloomed for Christmas?”

“Christmas is just a week away so it could happen. How was your Arctic Animal presentation?”

Dora plopped on the ottoman by Joe’s feet. “It went great! My teacher let me push the cart back to the library. It was easy! And you will never guess what I found in the new book display!”

Joe’s steady breathing became a soft snore. Dora tucked his blankets tighter and tiptoed out the door. Her story and his could wait for another day.

Rose History:  The scent of roses evokes the powerful sweetness of love. Thomas More, an Irish poet and lyricist wrote, You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will, But the scent of the roses will hang round it still. The scent of God’s love, represented in roses, lingers.

Rose Hues:  The salmon-pink rose named Boscobel has a scent reminiscent of myrrh and pears, elderberries, and almonds. Many roses are known for their distinctive fragrance.

Prayer:  Holy Lord, may the fragrance of your love surround me as I share it with others. Amen

Day Twenty-one: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty-one

S ince our gifts vary depending on the grace poured out on each of us, it is important that we exercise the gifts we have been given. If prophecy is your gift, then speak as a prophet according to your proportion of faith. If service is your gift, then serve well. If teaching is your gift, then teach well. If you have been given a voice of encouragement, then use it often. If giving is your gift, then be generous. If leading, then be eager to get started.                                                                                  If sharing God’s mercy, then be cheerful in sharing it.   Romans 12:6-8

Carefully, Dora positioned the shovel under the rose pot and wiggled it onto the floor. Dora then wheeled the pallet over to Joe. Using the shovel as a cane and with Dora’s help, Joe lifted himself onto the pallet and Dora pushed him through the door into the warm kitchen. She grabbed a blanket from the living room couch and wrapped it around Joe’s shoulders. 

“I’m calling 911,” she said. “Just to be sure.”

Shivering, Joe responded, “OK, Doctor Dora. Better to be safe than sorry.”

After the paramedics left, having confirmed that Joe had indeed sprained his wrist and ankle and securing each in a plastic brace, Dora handed Joe a warm cup of cocoa.

“That was quick thinking,” said Joe. “Using the shovel to move the pot to lift me.”

“I knew I wasn’t strong enough to pick you up,” said Dora, “so I used the muscles that don’t show that you told me about.”

Joe sipped his cocoa, “Which muscles did you use.”

“My thinking muscles,” replied Dora. “Now can you use your story-telling muscles to finish the legend of the Christmas Rose?”

Joe sighed, “Maybe tomorrow. All my muscles are aching right now.”

“You told me that you have been waiting for two years for your Christmas Rose to bloom. I guess Madelon and I can wait one more day. I’ll get my brother to fix the hole in the roof. He can plug it with his chewing gum.”

Joe chuckled as he watched Dora return home. Small girls should never be overlooked.

Rose History:  The Virgin Mary is credited with many miracles. In 1531, a Mexican farmer named Juan Diego had a vision of Mary asking him to have a shrine built on Tepeyac Hill. As proof of his vision, Juan found roses blooming in the snow. Juan gathered them in his cloak and presented them to the bishop. When the roses fell out, the image of Mary with roses was imprinted on his cloak. The shrine was built and many miracles have been granted in Mary’s name.

Prayer: God of miracles, help me use the gifts you gave me to share your love. Amen

Day Twenty: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twenty

Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God. Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus. Jesus will become the greatest among men. He will be known as the Son of the Highest God. God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over the covenant family of Jacob forever. Luke 1:30-33

Dropping the key on the carpet in the entranceway, Dora rushed through the kitchen doors into the greenhouse. Feebly, Joe waved a hand in her direction. Dora ran over and knelt beside him.

“Are you OK?” she asked, “What should I do?”

“I fell and landed on my wrist. I think I sprained my ankle too,” said Joe. “When I tried to get up, I couldn’t put my weight on it. Can you get your mother or brothers to help me up?”

“Mom is working late and my brothers are at basketball practice. Mom told me to come straight here today to stay with you. Can you sit up?”

“I can try,” said Joe.  Joe struggled into a sitting position. “I guess I’ll have to wait here for your mother to come home.”

“Should I call 911?” asked Dora.

“No, I think it is just a sprain. It’s awfully cold on this floor though.” 

Dora’s face twisted as she puzzled this out. Glancing around the room for some way to help Joe, her eyes stopped on the big rose pots resting on the pallets on wheels. 

“I’ve got an idea,” she told Joe. “Where’s the shovel you use to plant roses outside?”

“In the shed,” answered Joe, “but you can’t dig me up.” 

“Not dig,” said Dora,“tip.”

Rose History: Roses have long been connected with the Virgin Mary. Mary is called the mystic rose or the rose without thorns. Tradition states that before the entrance of sin into the world, roses in the Garden of Eden had no thorns. Mary’s vital role in God’s plan to redeem humanity connects her with the uncorrupted Garden and the beauty of roses. God created a world without sin and chose Mary to bear the Savior who would conquer sin and death.

Rose Hues: White roses are a symbol of innocence and purity. White roses

in weddings represent the pureness of the bond of love being created in marriage. Mary, pure of heart, carries white roses.

Prayer:  Purify my heart, O, Lord. Fill it with love for you and your children. Amen

Day Nineteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Nineteen

Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened. Matthew 7:7-8

The roses along Joe’s driveway shivered in the winter wind. Puddles froze as the temperature dropped as the afternoon wore on. The warmth radiating from the growth lamps caused moisture to weep down the sides of the greenhouse and freeze on the stones supporting the glass. As the stones outside froze, the stone floor inside the greenhouse cooled.

At 3:25, Dora rang Joe’s doorbell. She shook out her umbrella while she waited. When Joe didn’t answer, she walked around to the greenhouse door. The rain had stopped but the paving stones were slippery. Dora wiped a clear spot in the glass and looked inside. The roses looked happy about the rain. Strains of music came through the glass doors. It looked warm and cozy inside. Dora hoped Joe had some cocoa to share and that he would tell her the rest of the story about Madelon and the Christmas Rose.

Dora wiped more moisture from the glass. What was one of Joe’s slippers doing on the floor? Where was Joe? Dora banged on the door. The slipper wiggled. Why was Joe lying on the floor?

Dora remembered that Joe kept an emergency key under a flowerpot by the back door. Quickly, she retrieved it, ran around to the front door, and stepped inside. 

“Joe!” she called.

A moan answered her call. 

Rose History: During the most decadent age of the Roman Empire, peasants were ordered to grow roses instead of food to satisfy the demands of the ruling class. The swimming baths and fountains were filled with rose water and emperors sat on carpets of rose petals for their feasts. One Roman emperor showered his guests with rose petals tumbling from the ceilings during parties. Decadence weakened the empire and contributed to its fall. 

Rose Hues: Black roses, often associated with death, also signal the beginning of a new era.

Prayer: Lord, we ask; we seek; we knock. Thank you for opening the door to your love. Amen

Day Eighteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Eighteen

I look up at the vast size of the mountains— from where will my help come in times of trouble? 

The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. 

He holds you firmly in place; He will not let you fall.  

He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep. Psalm 121:1-3

Rain pattered against the windows of the greenhouse amplifying the sublime melody of Gabriel Faure’s Les Roses. Joe’s puttering was a bit brisker as he anticipated Dora’s visit. As the soprano reached for the higher notes of her solo, Joe lifted his eyes to the sky and his thoughts turned to his Darling Rose. As his gaze rose, he felt a small drop on his cheek. Teardrops? No, raising his eyes to the roof, Joe saw a pinhole in the pane that had been replaced after the softball incident. A pinhole would let in cold air and cold air was not good for Joe’s roses.

Joe considered his options. Waiting weeks for a repairman or waiting for Dora to get home from school. Children and ladders in the rain didn’t mix. Repairmen and ladders in the rain didn’t mix either. 

Joe looked around the greenhouse for an answer. Maybe he could plug the hole with some duct tape. Duct tape was good for everything. If he put some on the end of the pole he used to open the skylights and wiggled it into place over the hole, he and the roses could wait for the repairman. 

Joe positioned the tape on the pole and reached up. Looking up, he forgot to look down at his feet. 

Crash! went the compost bucket. 

Crash! went Joe as he slipped on the slimy rose food. 

Rose History:  The poem, LES ROSES D’ISPAHAN by Charles Leconte de Lisle was first published in 1884, inspired by the ideals of the Persian capital of Isfahan. The city was filled with roses which had been first brought to Europe during the Crusades. The poem was set to music by Gabriel Fauré, a French composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. Fauré’s music, first written for a soprano with piano accompaniment, has also been sung by tenors and arranged for orchestra and is frequently performed today. 

Rose Hues: Lavender roses represent wonder and enchantment and are associated with royalty.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift my eyes to you. Thank you for holding me “firmly in place.” Help me when I fall away from your love. Hold me in your heavenly embrace. Amen

Day Seventeen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Seventeen

Don’t imagine, dear friends, that God’s timetable is the same as ours; as the psalm says, for with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. Now the Lord is not slow about enacting His promise—slow is how some people want to characterize it—no, He is not slow but patient and merciful to you, not wanting anyone to be destroyed, but wanting everyone to turn away from following his own path and to turn toward God’s.  1 Peter 3:8-9

Joe looked at the clock ticking away on the kitchen wall, “It’s time for you to be getting home, Dora.”

“But we didn’t feed the roses and you didn’t finish the story.”

“Both will wait until tomorrow. The roses are settling down for the night and I will be soon. Bedtime comes early when you get to be my age.”

“My bedtime is 8:30,” said Dora. “My brothers get to stay up until 9:00. It’s not fair.”

“No, it’s not. You’ll be half an hour better rested than they are tomorrow morning and ready to do your Arctic Animal project. What animal did you pick?”

“My group picked puffins. Do you know that they are called the clowns of the sea? I think it’s because their beaks make them look like they have clown makeup on.”

“Maybe looking at them makes people laugh,” suggested Joe.

“Maybe,” said Dora. “People do like animals that make them laugh, like kittens, puppies, monkeys, dolphins …”

“Before that list gets too long, I suggest you head home. We’ll finish the story tomorrow.”

Pushing in her chair and heading to the door, Dora said, “I just know that Madelon made Jesus laugh: Madelon and the Christmas roses.” 

Rose History: A wreath of roses in history represented pure joy and the hope that comes with perseverance. Christians in Europe began the tradition of placing candles in a wreath for Advent. A circle has no beginning or end, so the wreath represents continuous life, the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the eternal life we find in Christ. 

Rose Hues: Deep pink roses signify appreciation and gratitude.  

Prayer: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. We thank you, O Savior, for eternal life in your love. Amen

Day Sixteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Sixteen

I have loved you as the Father has loved Me. Abide in My love. Follow My example in obeying the Father’s commandments and receiving His love. If you obey My commandments, you will stay in My love. I want you to know the delight I experience, to find ultimate satisfaction, which is why I am telling you all of this.   John 15:9-11

“Infants don’t laugh,” Dora said, “He must have burped.”

“Madelon said it was a laugh when she told her children and grandchildren years later.”

“I never heard about Jesus laughing,” said Dora, “I know that the song says, The little Lord, Jesus, no crying he makes, but it doesn’t say anything about laughing”

“Every baby laughs,” said Joe. “I think Jesus must have laughed a lot in his life. He saw people running around trying to follow a lot of rules and getting into all kinds of scrapes and misunderstandings. He must have laughed to think that they were missing the point that being good is more about loving others and less about keeping the rules. He loved to tell stories. People like funny stories so he must have told a lot of those too.”

“We never hear any of those in Sunday School,” said Dora.

“Maybe he told so many that the Gospel writers didn’t think to write them down. Maybe they were laughing too hard to write. But Jesus must have laughed and spread great joy. Just as the angels announced Tidings of great joy! Jesus spread so much joy that we still feel it. I know I do.”

“Me, too,” said Dora. “But what happened to Madelon?”

Rose History: All major religions include roses in their accounts of miraculous love at work in the world. In mythology, when gods and goddesses interacted with each other and humans, roses represented eternal love. Pagan religions use roses to represent their hearts. Roses are symbols of the human soul for Muslims. The scent of roses reminds them of their spiritual connections to God. Roses and other flowers represent spiritual joy for Buddhists and Hindus. Christians see roses as reminders of the paradise lost in the Garden of Eden, reflecting God’s design before sin entered the world.

Rose Hues: White roses signify young love and loyalty. White roses are given on occasions of joy, such as weddings and births.

Prayer: As the angels announced tidings of great joy, as the baby in the manger brought joy to the shepherds and the wise men, grant, O, Lord, us joy to share with your people.  Amen

Day Fifteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Fifteen

At this, some of Jesus’ followers brought their children before Jesus; they wanted Him to place His hands on the children and pray for them. Some of the disciples, mistakenly thinking that Jesus wouldn’t want to be bothered with the likes of children, began to rebuke the crowd.

Jesus: Let the little children come to Me; do not get in their way. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to children like these.       Matthew 19:13-14

“Wow!” said Dora, “Her tears became flowers?”

“Yes,” said Joe. “The flowers Madelon gathered are called the Christmas Rose. But the story doesn’t end there. What do think happened when Madelon gave the flowers to the baby?”

Madelon crept into the cave holding the blossoms close to her heart. The warmth of the stable enveloped her as she stepped into the low light surrounding the mother, father, and baby. The mother’s smile welcomed Madelon and the father gestured to the child who cooed in the manger. Madelon’s mother had told her that infants did not really smile but this child seemed older than the few hours since he had arrived. 

This child smiled as Madelon approached and laid the white blossoms at his feet. He looked at Madelon and then reached for the white flowers. When his baby fingers brushed the white petals a pink blush rose. The blush spread from the miraculous flowers to Madelon’s cheeks. The baby looked from the flowers to Madelon’s cheeks and laughed.

Rose History: In ancient Rome and Greece, roses symbolized secrecy. In one military operation, generals strategized behind a huge rose bush. Ever after, when something was done in secret, it was called sub rosa, which means “beneath the rose.” Roses painted on the ceilings of palaces where the Romans held their decadent parties signified “sub rosa” or not to be spoken of in public. This led to the saying, “What happens in Rome, stays in Rome.”

Rose Hue: Orange roses signify enthusiasm for a well-earned accomplishment: “I’m proud of you.”

Prayer: Holy Jesus, once a child, welcoming children, sharing childish joy, help me to welcome children with open arms and hearts. Bathe them in the smile of your love. Amen

Day Fourteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Fourteen

So they ran into town, and eventually, they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the feeding trough. After they saw the baby, they spread the story of what they had experienced and what had been said to them about this child. Everyone who heard their story couldn’t stop thinking about its meaning. Mary, too, pondered all of these events, treasuring each memory in her heart. The shepherds returned to their flocks, praising God for all they had seen and heard, and they glorified God for the way the experience had unfolded just as the heavenly messenger had predicted.  Luke 2:16-20

“Did Madelon just turn around and go home?” asked Dora. “She must have felt so disappointed.”

“Yes, and she didn’t feel any better when her brothers left the cave and ran off without even noticing her. The shepherds headed into Bethlehem to spread the wondrous news of angels and kings. Madelon watched them go without calling out.” Joe continued the story.

The star still shone above. The message of the angels rang in Madelon’s ears. The smile of the infant still warmed her heart. But her hands were still empty. She had no gift. An idea formed in her mind. Perhaps she could find some flowers to give to the newborn king.

Frantically, Madelon searched around the cave for some blooms but she found nothing but withered grass on the cold ground. Madelon sank to the ground as her heart sank too. She had nothing to give. Tears dripped from her eyes onto the ground into the dead grass. 

In the light of the star, Madelon’s tears glistened in the grass. An angel, hovering over the cradle, noticed the small girl shedding them. Reading the sighs of her heart, the angel breathed a warming wind through the cave’s entrance. 

When Madelon stopped weeping, she looked around her. Snow white blossoms littered the ground where her tears had fallen. Gathering them in her arms, Madelon rose to welcome the king.

Rose History: The Chinese philosopher Confucius noted the hundreds of books about roses cataloged in the emperor’s library. The popularity of roses grew during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) when they were plated around palaces and in parks. 

Rose Hues: White roses represent new beginnings — births, young love, and youthfulness.

Prayer: Lord, I open my arms to you waiting for the miracle of your love to fill them. Amen

Day Thirteen: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Thirteen

Let’s not neglect what is good and share what we have, for these sacrifices also please God.

Hebrews 13:16

Looking deeper into the cave, Madelon saw the gifts the travelers had left, one glimmering like gold, another emitting an earthy citrusy scent, the third similar in fragrance but with a licorice accent. Madelon recognized these scents, one used for worship, the other for mourning. Her brothers’ gifts, honey representing the sweetness of life, dates symbolizing a long and fruitful life, and a lamb signifying vigor, health, and sacrifice, lay alongside. 

Sitting back on her heels, Madelon looked at her empty hands. She had broken the earthen pot holding her brothers’ supper. Back in the corner of her home where she slept there was little more than a change of linen and a brick she lay in the fire to warm her feet in the cold months. What had she to give a king?

“Madelon didn’t own much,” said Dora. “I have lots of stuff, Joe, but I don’t know what I could give a king.”

“Neither did Madelon,” said Joe. “What could a small girl have to give a king?”

Rose History: Roses were sacred to the ancient Egyptians, associated with their goddess Isis who played a role in helping the dead enter the afterlife. Roses bloom, die, and bloom again symbolizing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in the afterlife. Egyptians included rose petals in tombs and the mummification process.

Rose Hues: Peach roses represent sincerity and gratitude. Give peach roses to say thank you. Peach roses can be given when closing a business deal, finishing a class, or completing a project.

Prayer: What can I give him? Poor as I am, if I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. What can I give him? Give him my heart. Lord, I give my heart to you. Amen

Day Twelve: The Christmas Rose

 

The Christmas Rose

An Advent Story Calendar

Day Twelve

Mary’s fiancé Joseph, from Nazareth in Galilee, had to participate in the census in the same way everyone else did. Because he was a descendant of King David, his ancestral city was Bethlehem, David’s birthplace. Mary, who was now late in her pregnancy that the messenger Gabriel had predicted, accompanied Joseph. While in Bethlehem, she went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid Him in a feeding trough because the inn had no room for them. Luke 2:4-7

“Oh, I didn’t forget Madelon,” said Joe. “Although her brothers had. They left without their supper not even giving Madelon a thought.” 

As her brothers hurried off, Madelon thought about all she had seen and heard. Angels bringing news of a savior? Strange creatures carrying men looking for a king? What could it mean? Without thinking, Madelon ran after her brothers. Perhaps she could catch up and see the king too.

But a small girl like Madelon couldn’t keep up. She lost sight of the travelers and soon her brothers were vague shadows in the distance. She would arrive late and without a gift. But that didn’t stop her. Determined to see the new king, she picked her way down the winding trail to Bethlehem in the dark while snowflakes twinkled in the star’s light. Outside a small cave, she saw the strange creatures resting, jaws chewing in rhythm. Light streamed from the cave. Madelon crept closer to look into the small opening. Inside, sheep slept in the hay, her brothers knelt in homage, a young woman rested on blankets, and an older man kept watch. In a manger, wrapped in cloths. lay a baby. 

“He doesn’t look like a king,” Madelon thought, but, then again, she had never seen a king. Creeping closer, Madelon felt a kind of peace settle in her heart. She blinked and focused on the baby again. He woke with a coo and looked up at his mother and father. A smile flickered across his face and warmed Madelon’s heart. In that moment, she saw a king, one unlike any other, and knew that she too must bring a gift.

Rose History: During the 12th and 13th centuries, crusaders returning from the Middle East brought back stories of splendid rose gardens. They brought gifts of roses back to their loved ones.

Rose Hues: Ivory roses represent thoughtfulness, gracefulness, and charm.

Prayer:  O come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for thee. Amen