A Spotless Rose

Words: Es Ist Ein Ros, 15th Century German carol,
Translator Catherine Winkworth, 1869
See: Notes Concerning The Hymn

See also Christmas Poems of Catherine Winkworth
Selections from the first and second series of Lyra Germanica

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.

The Rose which I am singing, 
Whereof Isaiah said, 
Is from its sweet root springing 
In Mary, purest Maid;  
For through our God’s great love and might 
The blessed babe she bare us 
In a cold, cold winter’s night.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols