The poem often comes first… Christina Rosetti wrote the words for Scribner’s Monthly in 1872, and then a few years later (1906, to be precise), Gustav Holst set her verse to music. The result: In the Bleak Midwinter, one of the most reflective and well-loved of all Christmas songs.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan / earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow / in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain / heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed / the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there / cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss / worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am? / If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part / yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
Church Calendar: Advent, Christmas
Hymn tune: CRANHAM
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Also available for 6 accompanied handbells, 8 handbells, 8 accompanied handbells, and 12 accompanied handbells.
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