THE CHRISTMAS ROSE and the White House 2019 decorations "THE CHRISTMAS ROSE"    Beautiful poem. Melania has LOTS of ROSES this year. The legend of the Christmas Rose tells the story of how a young shepherdess named Madelon, through her love and devotion, came to give the baby Jesus a gift more precious than gold, frankincense or myrrh. There is a legend old as time  about the CHRISTMAS ROSE. If you've not heard it e'er before~ this is how it goes. The night sky glowed quite splendidly, and the girl could see a Star. It brightly shone upon the land  and beckoned from afar. She left her door step quietly  without a backward glance, She knew that she must follow it and take the risk-the chance. She had heard the shepherds talking  about the child so near, That would change the world forever- that could comfort every fear. She watched behind a hillock  as the Magi took their place,  With their gifts of myrrh & frankincense & gold in a fine case. She wanted such a special gift  for this baby oh-so-dear, But she was poor, had nothing,  and she cried a silent tear. She quickly searched the countryside~  a flower was her thought, But the winter was cold  & damp & mean- no flower to be sought. She earnestly began to weep  and softly shed each tear, While an angel watched & marveled  at the love she held so dear. "Why are you crying, my child?" she asked  as she met her on the ground  "I long to give something to this child - but nothing have I found." The angel touched her tears  where they lay upon the earth, And a Rose sprung up beneath them- a green & silent birth. Now go and give your roses, child, your gift of heart & tear, And the Savior child will bless you  & comfort you, my dear. She gently picked the roses  and took them to the place, Where the baby lay in splendor in His lowly birthing space. She stared upon his countenance- this ragged, humble child, And He turned his little face up  and looked at her & smiled. Yes! That's the story of the Christmas Rose- it's been heard by many ears, But the Blessing it brings at Christmas time  will carry us through the years. THE WHITE HOUSE ROSES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgAAdNaL4oM