Opening Song: Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming by Michael Praetorius and Blake FlattleyLyrics:Lo how a rose e’er bloomingFrom tender stem hath sprungOf Jesse’s lineage comingAs prophets long have sungIt came a flow’ret brightAmid the cold of winterWhen half spent was the nightIsaiah ‘twas foretold itThe rose I have in mindWith Mary we behold itThe virgin mother kindTo show God’s love arightShe bore to us a SaviorWhen half spent was the nightO Savior child of MaryWho felt our human woeO Savior King of gloryWho dost our weakness knowBring us at length we prayTo the bright courts of heavenAnd to the endless dayPassage: 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”(Luke Musical Reflection: Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (ES IST EIN ROS) by Michael PraetoriusReflection Notes: Praetorius composed this tune in the early seventeenth century while working at various court and church appointments in Germany. The somewhat melancholy nature of the melody reflects the theological tension of the text: the rose of Christ is born to die, but will rise again in resurrection glory. Prayer: This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.