In the bleak midwinter . . .

My daughter, Heather, commented on this picture saying
“The snow on trees and objects affects the ears and eyes.
The quiet stillness . . . new dimension/fullness”

Her comments drew me back to
standing outside after snow has stopped
or pausing while shoveling
taking in the pureness of snow’s beauty
captured
etched into memory
through the windows of my eyes
the delicate touch of snowflakes on my face
taste and smell of newly fallen snow
its deafening quiet
stillness
solitude
peace

totally enveloping me
and my heart sings . . .

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.

a song learned through many Christmas seasons
in the Lutheran church . . .

and again . . . I am in awe of God
these snow sensories
mirrors of God, through Jesus
a command from God to

“Be still, and know that I am God!”
Psalm 46:10a NLT



In the bleak midwinter
By Christina Rosetti
1830-1894

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.

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.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

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.


A Christmas Carol
Alternate Title: In The Bleak Midwinter
Words: Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894)
appeared posthumously in
The Poetical Works of Christina Georgina Rossetti,
Poem #426, 1904.

Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934
Tune: CRANHAM, Meter: Irr.