The season of Advent is a time of waiting, anticipation, and hope as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The rose is a historic symbol of the Advent Season. The rose, with its beautiful yet intricate petals, represents both the fragility and strength of God’s love and the anticipation of new life. As a rose grower myself, the tenacity of the plants make up the character that produces amazing beauty and scent. The rose finds a connection to the message found in Luke 1:26-38, the account of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will conceive the Son of God.
In Luke 1:26-38, we encounter Mary, a young woman in Nazareth, who is chosen by God to bear the Savior of the world. The angel Gabriel greets her with a message that overwhelms her: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).
Like the rose, the Annunciation carries the contrast of delicate beauty and strength. The delicacy in the rose exists in its structure and scent, but also in its inner strength that has affected humanity for millennia. While the rose can be delicate, it is also strong. The rose’s stem is sturdy, supporting its beauty and allowing the petals to unfold. Roses can take a heavy rainstorm and flourish in cool weather when other flowers in the garden begin to die off. These attributes in the plant and flower become metaphors for the voice of Mary, and symbolize her agency as well as the Holy Spirit. Here in Luke’s poetic language, together they identify change and freedom to an oppressed people. There is a great deal wrapped up the rose as a symbol!
As we journey through the season of Advent, may we connect with this faithful image that allows new life to grow in our hearts and minds anew.
Pastor Todd