VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Dakota Andersen, baritone
Casey Rafn, piano

A Rose unfolds on tender vine,
as seers foretold, from Jesse’s line.
Its petals radiant in the light
of stars aglow this holy night.

Isaiah divined the Flower would bloom
a spotless Rose from Mary’s womb,
as angels praise the glorious sight:
the blessed Babe on this holy night.
—16th century German (trans. by Joel Thompson)

E’en though we now our anthem raise
in gratitude and joyous praise,
I wonder why, for me, God chose
to show such love with a spotless Rose.
—Joel Thompson