Here is a little something I prepared for an upcoming Christmas gathering – online, of course!!
Christina Rosetti wrote the words for a famous carol that I didn’t encounter until in my 40’s. My encounter included the opportunity of singing with a men’s quartet in Prince Albert, SK. Our leader, Bob Gibson, was a profound musician and prepared an enchanting arrangement. The tune is melancholic, suiting the title – In the Bleak Mid Winter. Having sung the various verses, I was pleasantly surprised to come upon the final verse, a compelling statement that I had heard before. Here are some of the verses.
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 mid-winter
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 mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
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.