The hellebore flower has always held my heart captive. This perennial herb, native to the snowy mountains and high valleys of Europe, somehow indomitably blooms in the coldest season of mid-winter while other vegetation is dormant and covered by snow. When I heard of this story I was enchanted with it as much as with the flower. I hope you too will find hope in this following. . .
The Christmas Rose
The tradition tells how the shepherds while watching their flocks were visited by an angel who was leading the three wise men, to the birthplace of baby Jesus. The Angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus whom would be known as the 'Prince of Peace,' the 'King of Kings,' and the 'Savior of their People.' Overjoyed, the shepherds left their flocks to visit the new born king and taking him such gifts as they could afford and as were befitting of their status such as honey, fruit, and snow-white doves.
Now on that cold winter night when Jesus was born, the shepherds were not the only ones out of the hillside tending their flocks. A young shepherdess by the name of Madelon was also out tending her family's flock and had witnessed the arrival of what the angel had told the shepherds. Hearing the news, the young girl's heart became full of love and devotion and filled with faith. At a distance she followed the angel, the wise men, and the shepherds to the stable where Jesus lay in the manger.
Young Madelon watched as they entered the stable and the wise men laid out their extravagant gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense before the baby Jesus. She watched as the shepherds gave their gifts of honey, fruit, and snow-white doves. Realizing she had nothing to give, she rushed back to her hillside to try and find flowers that she could lay before 'the Prince of Peace.
Finding none on the snow covered hillside, she became full of shame and despair and began crying. As she cried her tears fell down her face onto the snow-covered ground around her. Seeing this from on high, the angel came down and touched the ground and a bush of the most beautiful winter roses sprung forth at Madelon's feet.
The angel told Madelon, 'No gold, no frankincense, and no myrrh is as precious or as fitting a gift for the 'Prince of Peace' as the pure blossoms that are born from the pure tears of love, faith, and devotion.'
I'm a sucker for a story that argues against 'conspicuous consumption' and at the same time, provides the history of one of my favorite plants.
Cheers,
Laura
The Christmas Rose
The tradition tells how the shepherds while watching their flocks were visited by an angel who was leading the three wise men, to the birthplace of baby Jesus. The Angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus whom would be known as the 'Prince of Peace,' the 'King of Kings,' and the 'Savior of their People.' Overjoyed, the shepherds left their flocks to visit the new born king and taking him such gifts as they could afford and as were befitting of their status such as honey, fruit, and snow-white doves.
Now on that cold winter night when Jesus was born, the shepherds were not the only ones out of the hillside tending their flocks. A young shepherdess by the name of Madelon was also out tending her family's flock and had witnessed the arrival of what the angel had told the shepherds. Hearing the news, the young girl's heart became full of love and devotion and filled with faith. At a distance she followed the angel, the wise men, and the shepherds to the stable where Jesus lay in the manger.
Young Madelon watched as they entered the stable and the wise men laid out their extravagant gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense before the baby Jesus. She watched as the shepherds gave their gifts of honey, fruit, and snow-white doves. Realizing she had nothing to give, she rushed back to her hillside to try and find flowers that she could lay before 'the Prince of Peace.
Finding none on the snow covered hillside, she became full of shame and despair and began crying. As she cried her tears fell down her face onto the snow-covered ground around her. Seeing this from on high, the angel came down and touched the ground and a bush of the most beautiful winter roses sprung forth at Madelon's feet.
The angel told Madelon, 'No gold, no frankincense, and no myrrh is as precious or as fitting a gift for the 'Prince of Peace' as the pure blossoms that are born from the pure tears of love, faith, and devotion.'
Cheers,
Laura
2 comments:
Laura,
Finally reading this story. It is a fine one indeed. Your blogs are mighty fine too!! xo Kama
P.S. I need to create a proper account here but having some trouble so... I'm anonymous Kama for now :)
Thanks Kama.
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