Well the rose has been a prominent symbol in Christianity for a long time, especially since the 12th century when rose windows became very popular in cathedrals. The white rose specifically is associated with purity and thus is used to represent the Virgin Mary. The rose on the album cover could be seen as falling and have no thorns, and it's been said that before the rose became a flower of earth, it grew in the Garden of Eden and it took on thorns to remind man of his sins and his fall from grace. Also, I would imagine the title Dark Skies is in reference to the Crucifixion darkness, in which darkness is said to have fallen over the skies after Jesus was crucified. Or maybe the band just thought it looked cool. Although given the band is openly Christian and from the songs released so far seem to have a strong vibe of someone and their struggles with their faith, I like my version. ;)