The Legend of the Christmas Rose
This story draws on the legend of the Christmas Rose, an actual flower—Helleborus niger—that blooms in winter conditions. A fun way to combine our study of botany and the celebration of the birth of our Saviour!
A little girl, the sister of three grown shepherds, desperately wants to see the newborn baby. Despite being forbidden to go, she follows her brothers, who, having heard from heavenly angels the news about the baby, take their prize lamb as a gift. Suddenly she realizes she has no present for the baby. When she begins to cry, an angel appears waving a small white flower, and soon the ground is blanketed with the little flowers. The little girl carries these to Jesus, who is pleased and touches them, turning them pale pink.
This version of the tale is written by William H. Hooks and is published by Scholastic, 1999. The book is out-of-print, but can still be found with a little effort. Start here to find it!
Here is a photo of Helleborus niger:
Finally, for your listening pleasure;)
Merry Christmas to All!!!
