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“In the Bleak Midwinter” is an old song one you might not know. But it’s also a song of gold — one you need to hear. The words convey a message that you should ponder in your heart. Athough, it’s from long ago, it continues to be sung — even in our time.

I’ve not heard this song in many years. At least, not until recently when watching an episode of the Netflix original drama, “The Crown.”  The song brought back childhood memories of Christmases past and songs that we sang. Some of the “oldies” are truly “goldies” and we should never forget them. “In the Bleak Midwinter” has beautiful words that express the cold world into which Jesus entered. The song also speaks of the appropriate gifts that should be given to Jesus.

If it evokes memories of Christmases past for you, enjoy!  If you’ve never heard the song, take a minute and step back — back to a simpler time, a more Christ-focused world, in which even kings knew to bow before the Lord God Almighty, Jesus.

The Crown

In the episode of “The Crown,” the royal family was shown enjoying an evening gathering during the Advent season. The scene depicted a group of local carolers who stopped by Sandringham House to sing a Christmas carol for the royal family’s enjoyment. The smallest caroler held a large gift box, which she presented to the king. Inside was a paper crown. The king graciously accepted the crown and placed it on his head. The king then joined the carolers in singing the song, and he finished with the words that ponder what one can possibly give to the Christ Child who is the King of kings.  Having just learned that he was dying, the king was overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry (watch the video clip below).

In the Bleak Midwinter

The words of this song were written in 1872 and published as poetry in 1904 by Christina Georgina Rossetti.  It was set to music by Gustav Theodore Hoist in 1906 and later published in “The English Hymnal” in 1916.

While it’s an old song, it has enjoyed a robust life — having been sung by church choirs throughout the centuries and recorded by some major artists in recent years.  Artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Dan Fogelberg, The Moody Blues, Judy Collins (below), Annie Lenox, Cyndi Lauper, Sarah MacLaughlin, James Taylor, and more, have complemented the original, moving words with their musical renditions.

The words are beautiful and inspiring.  They evoke the heart of Christmas, the love we have for our Saviour, and a reminder of the most important gift we can ever give Him.  The song is titled “In the Bleak Midwinter” but is also called “What Can I Give Him?” from the most profound question the song poses before giving the most important answer.

video by Reasons for Hope* Jesus

Poet and Song Writer, Christina Georgina Rossetti

About Christina Georgina Rossetti: She was the daughter of Gabriel, and sister of Dante Gabriel and William Michael Rossetti.  Born in London, Dec. 5, 1830, she received her education at home. Her published works include Goblin Market, and Other Poems, 1862, The Prince’s Progress, and Other Poems, 1866,  Poems (mainly a reprint of those mentioned), 1875, and A Pageant, and Other Poems, 1881.

Rossetti also published several works of prose, including, Annus Domini (a daily book of prayers), 1874 and Letter and Spirit of the Decalogue, 1883.  Although she wrote few hymns for church worship, her words of poetry were often set to music and many were included in hymn books. In addition to “In the Bleak Midwinter,” some of Rossetti’s songs that are in common use, include, “A Burdened Heart that Bleeds and Bears,” “Give Me the Lowest Place, Not That I Dare,” “None Other Lamb, None Other Name,” “The Shepherds Had an Angel, “We Know Not a Voice of That River.”

In the Bleak Midwinter, from “The Crown”

After the death of King George VI, Winston Churchill gave a beautiful eulogy that included this tribute:

“He was sustained not only by his natural buoyancy, but by the sincerity of his Christian faith. During these last months the King walked with death as if death were a companion, an acquaintance whom he recognized and did not fear. In the end death came as a friend, and after a happy day of sunshine and sport, and after ‘good night’ to those who loved him best, he fell asleep as every man or woman who strives to fear God, and nothing else in the world, may hope to do.”

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.

Christmas-themed GOT QUESTIONS?

Christmas-themed Articles

Christmas Word Search Puzzles

Scripture from: Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and John.  A Christmas message from “In the Bleak Midwinter”

Christmas-themed Videos

Have You Heard About This Baby Boy?  A most beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, with a Christmas message to touch your heart and give joy to your soul.

Cohen Hallelujah Christmas Version

 

 

 

 

 

Make Some Scripture Cookies – Fun for the Whole Family!

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At  Reasons for Hope* Jesus, we are committed to equipping, encouraging, and empowering Christians to know Jesus better, love Him more, and share their faith. We also reach the lost through our Salvation Page. 

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
  2. Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
  3. How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
  4. How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
  5. How long did JOB SUFFER?
  6. What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
  7. Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
  8. Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
  9. The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
  10. Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.

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TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
  1. Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace 
  2. RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
  3. WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
  4. PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
  5. PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
  6. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
  7. JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
  8. Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
  9. THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share 
  10. Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)

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