Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we honor the faith of Juan Diego, a native Indian in the 16th century who encountered a vision of Mary dressed in native attire on a hill near his village in Mexico. When the Spanish bishop in Mexico City asked for a sign, Our Lady of Guadalupe provided out-of-season December roses. As Juan Diego opened his tunic carrying the roses for the bishop, the image of Our Lady in native attire was imprinted on his tunic. This led to millions of native Indians coming to faith in the Americas.

Virgen de Guadalupe, Luis Berrueco (painting @ VMFA)

Roses in December! Brings to mind a favorite 15th century German carol, “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming.” Here’s a rendition of this carol from Sting (another fav musician), so have a listen to this YouTube video.

Sting sings this and many other beautiful medieval carols on one of my favorite reflective compilations, If On A Winter’s Night, played all year around, but especially appropriate for cold winter nights huddled by a warm fire (or under a warm blankey) contemplating the warmth & beauty of God’s love for us.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it,
This Rose I have in mind.
With Mary we behold it,
The Virgin Mother so sweet and so kind.
To show God’s love aright,
She bore to men a Saviour,
When half-spent was the night.

A Rose in Bethlehem (literally!)

🌹grace, peace & December roses🌹

Virginia : )