"Behold, a Branch is Growing"
                              by Unknown, c. 1500
            Translated by Harriet R. Spaeth, 1845-1925; stanzas 1-4
               Translated by John C. Mattes, 1876-1948; stanza 5
                                  Text From:
                     THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
              (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.458



        1. Behold a branch is growing
        As of loveliest form and grace,
        As prophets sung, foreknowing;
        It springs from Jesse's race
        And bears one little Flower
        In midst of coldest winter,
        At deepest midnight hour.

        2. Isaiah hath foretold It
        In words of promise sure,
        And Mary' s arms enfold It,
        A virgin meek and pure.
        Through God's eternal will
        This Child to her is given
        At midnight calm and still.

        3. The shepherds heard the story,
        Proclaimed by angels bright,
        How Christ, the Lord of Glory,
        Was born on earth this night.
        To Bethlehem they sped
        And in the manger found him,
        As angel heralds said.

        4. This Flower, whose fragrance tender
        With sweetness fills the air,
        Dispels with glorious splendor
        The darkness everywhere.
        True Man, yet very God;
        From sin and death He saves us
        And lightens every load.

        5. 0 Savior, Child of Mary,
        Who felt our human woe;
        Savior, King of Glory.
        Who dost our weakness know,
        Bring us at length, we pray.
        To the bright courts of heaven
        And to the endless day.

        

        Notes:
        Hymn #645 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_
        Text: Is. 11:1-2
        Author: Unknown, c. 1500
        Translated by: Harriet R. Spaeth, 1875; stanzas 1-4
        Translated by: John C. Mattes,1914; stanza 5
        Titled: "Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen"
        Tune: "Es ist ein' Ros'"
        1st Published in: _Alte geistliche Kirchengesaeng_
        Town: Cologne, 1599