1. 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.
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Source: The Hymnal 1982,
song 112 (via Hymnary.org)
It should be no surprise that so much of the symbolism this
season is focused, naturally, on the coming light of the Lord. We see it in candles, lights on the trees and
our houses, in scripture, and in our songs.
The first carol I would like to share with you this season sounds a lot
older than it really is. “In the bleak midwinter” has a
sound reminiscent of some of the earliest carols but was first published in the
early 20th century (thank you, Wikipedia). The tune is slower than most modern Christmas
carols and harkens back to such carols as “Lo, how A Rose e’er blooming”
from the late 16th century and really sounds like it is stressing
the bleakness, and the coldness of winter.
With all of the colors, lights, and the anticipation of
children ready to open gifts on Christmas morning it is easy to forget that
this time of year is not always pleasant for everyone. There are many people struggling this time of
year and from a variety of causes. If
you are hurt and need support, please reach out for help.
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.
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.
Source: The Hymnal 1982,
song 112 (via Hymnary.org)
This carol reminds us that God sent his only son to earth to
be a light in the darkness that surrounds us. He is a beacon of hope in the bleak midwinter,
when the frosty wind howls, the earth is cold and hard like iron, and even the
water becomes like stone. Sometimes the
weather can get us down. For some the
frosty winds may represent financial misfortunes, the loss of a loved one, ill
health, or depression. Let the light of
Christ and his living church in to dispel the gloom. All that Jesus asks is that we love God and
love each other. What can we give him,
as poor as we are? We can give what we
can – we can give our hearts.
- Jeff Schaefer
Member, St. Barnabas’
Episcopal Church
p.s. – If this speaks to you, please consider attending the Adult Forum on December 15 at 9:15 a.m.,
or the Blue Christmas service on
December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
