“In the Bleak Midwinter” is a Christmas carol based on the poem “A Christmas Carol”, written by English poet Christina Rossetti and first published in 1872. The poem was first set to music in 1906, and has become a beloved Christmas staple in many homes and churches.
The carol also contains one of my favourite stanzas in any Christmas piece, and one that never fails to move me with its beautifully heartfelt simplicity.
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.
This Christmas, as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday, and are inevitably captivated by the sparkle and glitter of consumerism, let’s not forget that the greatest gift we ever have to give is ourselves and our love. Instead of worrying about finding “the perfect gift”, let’s remind ourselves that the perfect gift really is the one that’s given with love (never mind what the commercials might want us to believe!) – in the end, that’s really the one thing that can truly last a lifetime.
Have a very merry Christmas, one and all!
I love this poem. Thanks for sharing it. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Love this song and the meaning. Happy Christmas to you, Jane. Wishing you wonderful words and experiences in 2019
What better gifts can we give than what comes from our heart, so true. Thanks Jane and wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas!
We sang this at the Nativity Pageant this morning at my Unitarian Universalist congregation. For the same reason you like this, my favorite is “The Friendly Beasts” carol: the least of us can contribute something valuable.
What a lovely poem–and a sweet reminder of what’s important, especially at this dark time of the year. Happy holidays!
A favorite poem/song! I was just thinking yesterday that the sentiment of this and “The Little Drummer Boy” are similar. The greatest gifts really are of ourselves and our love. Merry Christmas, Jane!