☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Es ist ein Ros entsprungen' celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the role of Mary in this divine event.
- The first verse refers to the prophecy of the Old Testament that a savior would come from the line of Jesse, the father of King David, symbolized by a 'rose' blooming in the middle of winter.
- In the second verse, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is referred to as the 'rose' who gave birth to Jesus.
- The third verse celebrates the humanity and divinity of Jesus, whose light dispels darkness, and whose birth is a sign of redemption from sin and death.
- The last verse is a prayer for guidance and protection in this world, and for access to the kingdom of heaven, with a request to God to grant it.
Interpretation
"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" is a traditional Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the role of Mary in this divine event.
The first verse, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen / Aus einer Wurzel zart. Wie uns die Alten sungen, Von Jesse kam die Art Und hat ein Blümlein bracht, Mitten im kalten Winter, Wohl zu der halben Nacht", refers to the prophecy of the Old Testament in which a savior would come from the line (or root) of Jesse, the father of King David. The "little rose" that blooms in the middle of winter symbolizes Jesus, who is born in a dark and cold world.
In the second verse, "Das Röslein das ich meine, Davon Jesaias sagt: Maria ist's, die Reine, Die uns das Blümlein bracht. Aus Gottes ew'gen Rat Hat sie ein Kind geboren Wohl zu der halben Nacht", the "little rose" is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is praised as the one who brought Jesus into the world.
The third verse, "Das Bümelein so kleine, Das duftet uns so süß, Mit seinem hellen Scheine Vertreibt's die Finsternis. Wahr' Mensch und wahrer Gott, Hilf uns aus allem Leide, Rettet von Sünd' und Tod", celebrates the humanity and divinity of Jesus. His light is seen as the one that dispels darkness, and his birth as a sign of redemption from sin and death.
The last verse is a prayer to Jesus, asking for guidance and protection in this world and ultimately for entry into the heavenly kingdom. It ends with a plea to God to grant this.
Overall, the carol is a solemn reflection on the birth of Jesus, his role as savior, and the hope of redemption and eternal life.