In the Bleak Midwinter
Christina Rossetti, 1872
Christina Rossetti's Christmas poem of the birth of Christ in a cold winter, sung as a carol.
In the bleak mid-winterFrosty wind made moan,Earth stood hard as iron,Water like a stone;Snow had fallen, snow on snow,Snow on snow,In the bleak mid-winterLong ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him,Nor earth sustain;Heaven and earth shall flee awayWhen He comes to reign:In the bleak mid-winterA stable-place sufficedThe Lord God AlmightyJesus Christ.
Enough for Him whom cherubimWorship night and day,A breastful of milkAnd a mangerful of hay;Enough for Him whom angelsFall down before,The ox and ass and camelWhich adore.
Angels and archangelsMay have gathered there,Cherubim and seraphimThrong’d the air.But only His motherIn her maiden blissWorshipped the BelovedWith a kiss.
What can I give Him,Poor as I am?If I were a shepherdI would bring a lamb,If I were a wise manI would do my part,—Yet what I can I give Him,Give my heart.