In the Bleak Midwinter

We are thinking of many friends and loved ones today. This is meant to be a Christmas card for you. It is an arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter", a carol with words by Christina G. Rossetti written in 1872. Gustav Holst (1874-1934) composed the music in 1906. Many know him through his symphonic work, "The Planets". Joseph Martin of Austin, Texas has composed this beautiful arrangement. The hymn is found in many hymnals, including the United Methodist Hymnal.
The words of Christina G. Rossetti's poem and the hymn are:
Verse 1: In the bleak mid-winter, 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.
Verse 2: 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.

Verse 3: Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubin and seraphim thronged the air; But his mother only in her maiden bliss, Worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

Verse 4: 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.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Christmas
• 2008