The Winter Rose

"While the world lies frozen beneath the chilling breath of winter, a spotless Rose blooms. Against the harsh surroundings, its beauty unfolds, one petal at a time. The Winter Rose is born so that the Garden might be restored."

So begins a beautiful Christmas Cantata that is simply titled "The Winter Rose." This Cantata, which moves us eloquently through Advent and into Christmas, is our choir gift to the Crystal Springs U.M.C. community this season. Our worship service on Sunday December 14 will center around the lovely images of the rose, conveyed through word and music.

From antiquity, the rose has always held special meaning because of its exquisite beauty, symbolizing love and purity. It has been reported that when Marc Antony was courting Cleopatra, she had an extravagant feast prepared, and at great expense covered the floor of the dining hall in rose petals to a depth of over two feet! In pre-Christian times in Rome and Greece the rose was the symbol of purity associated with various goddesses, and later was adopted by the Christian community as a symbol of first Mary, then of Jesus.

Rare winter roses are especially prized and honored as a sign of hope, a reminder that no matter how cold and bleak the days may be, God's infinite Love is always growing beneath the surface. So just as the Jews before Jesus waited anxiously for a savior to come to them, the winter world waits for Spring, and we wait and hope for Joy, Love, and God's Clarity, Truth, and Wisdom-the restoration of the Garden of Peace within our hearts and our world.

In our December 15th celebration of renewal we want to involve you! We have room for participation of people of all ages, not only as singers, but as conveyors of the message through signs and movement. We hope your hearts and minds will be open to the possibilities, and that you will be ready to say "Yes!" when the call comes asking if you will be part of this wonder-filled event.

What needs renewal in your Garden? As we move through this Advent season, may you look to the Rose, and find there everything you need.

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Joe Trimble, Choral Director