Advent specials

Here's an old but beautiful Advent hymn, "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming." It came to mind because of this--a perfect white rose that bloomed in our courtyard garden this week! We did have a couple 60+ degree days, but this was unexpected. We'll enjoy it's beauty either way.

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 floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger they found Him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower, 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.

Otherwise I want to encourage you to visit our community's site and see a) the SBA Christmas party Smilebox. Even if you're not a grad, it's fun to watch and b) the latest issue of The Mount magazine just published this weekend. It's online--scroll down a bit--on the left. Great stuff!