Jesus, Rose of Sharon

Scripture        Read Song of Solomon 2:1-7
Focus Verse    Song of Solomon 2:1     
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” 

Commentary: The expression "Rose of Sharon" only appears one time in scripture.  Due to it's sensuality, the Song of Solomon is rarely read in church and this makes it a rather obscure reading for us.  The Song of Solomon is a poetic love song between a man and a woman, a vision of a healthy loving relationship.  While we may wonder why it is in the bible, many theologians consider it a beautiful allegory of the love between God and human beings, with Jesus seen as the Bridegroom and the Church as his Bride.  

Sharon is a level plain that extends from the Mediterranean to the hill country to the west of Jerusalem and is known for its beauty and the healing properties of the plants and flowers that grow there. Not only is Jesus the great Healer, but he is also the epitome of divine beauty and majesty, unsurpassed by any created being in heaven or on earth.  When we envision Jesus as the Rose of Sharon, we have a beautiful visual symbol of the love God has for each of us.

Reflection:  How does creation’s beauty remind you of God and God’s love for you?

Prayer Breathing in … Jesus, Rose of Sharon
Prayer Breathing out … Fill me with Beauty

If music is a spiritual pathway for you, I invite you to listen, via YouTube, to a 16th century German advent hymn, and its expression of language, which can also be rather obscure in modern churches. I searched for a video with lyrics because the words are often difficult to understand.  I wanted you to catch the nuances of Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming as it is sung by a traditional choir in this arrangement offered by Concordia Publishing House. Listen for how this song tells the story of Jesus while expressing who Jesus is through some of the names we are exploring this advent.