"The World's Fair Rose Has Blossomed" : Merry Christmas 2013 !

I've heard several versions of lyrics for this Michael Praetorious hymn, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen". To me the one below is the most beautiful - and in fact one on the loveliest combinations of lyrics and music I know in a hymn. I've seen a couple of flash mob versions of this on YouTube, done in malls during Advent - what a precious thing to do. If anyone in the Sacramento area would like to consider planning one for next year, let's talk .....


                        The World’s Fair Rose Has Blossomed

                         The world's fair Rose has blossomed
                                Of Jesse’s royal stem ;
                            Foretold by ancient prophets
                              Who did the news proclaim.
                             This Blossom greets the light
                               Within our cold midwinter,
                             Upon our dark midnight.

                         This Rose I mean whose coming
                                Isaiah first did sing,
                            Is Mary pure and blessed,
                             The Blossom is our King.
                                By God’s eternal Will
                              We offer as Thy treasure
                            Our hearts to dwell therein.