In the Bleak Midwinter
Hymn composed by
Gustav Theodore HolstContextual information
This hymn appears as #241 in Singing the Living Tradition. Its text is a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti in 1872, but the text grew popular when it was published in The English Hymnal in 1906.
This hymn appears as #241 in Singing the Living Tradition. Its text is a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti in 1872, but the text grew popular when it was published in The English Hymnal in 1906.
Tune Name
CRANHAM
Tune Name
Text Meter
6.5.6.5.D.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Gustav Theodore HolstHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Gustav Theodore Holst (1874-1934) served, for much of his life, as director of music at St. Paul's Girls' School in London.
Spiritual tags
Other tags
Lyricist Background information
Christina G. Rossetti (1830-1894) was born in London, and was educated at home. She was a prolific poet.
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
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.
Christ a homeless stranger, so the gospels say,
Cradled in a manger and a bed of hay;
In the bleak midwinter, stable-place sufficed
Mary and her baby, Jesus Christ.
Once more child and mother weave their magic spell,
Touching hearts with wonder words can never tell;
In the bleak midwinter, in this world of pain,
Where our hearts are open love is born again.
Resources
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