Midwinter
Paris Twila Lyrics

Paris Twila's song "Midwinter" is a solemn and reflective tribute to the winter season, whose beauty and harshness evoke the imagery of the Nativity story. The first verse describes the bleakness of midwinter through the use of vivid imagery: "In bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan / Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone / Snow had fallen, snow on snow on snow / In the bleak midwinter, long ago." The verse conjures up images of frozen landscapes, with snow piled high and the earth rendered barren and lifeless. The metaphorical language suggests a world devoid of warmth or light, a stark contrast to the warmth and joy associated with the Christmas season.

The second verse shifts the focus to the Nativity story, and explores the idea of God's presence on earth. The verse suggests that God's power cannot be contained by heaven or earth, and that when he comes to reign, both heaven and earth shall flee away. In the midst of this cosmic upheaval, the stable where Jesus was born suffices as a humble abode for the Lord God Almighty. This verse highlights the paradox of the Christmas story: the power and might of God, coupled with the humility and vulnerability of a newborn child.

The final verse is a personal reflection on the meaning of Christmas, and what we can give to the Christ child. Paris Twila acknowledges her own poverty and lack of material gifts, but suggests that the most valuable gift we can give Jesus is our hearts. The verse concludes with a nod to the characters in the Nativity story, with the line "If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb / If I were a wise man, I would do my part." These lines suggest a desire to emulate the actions of those who witnessed Christ's birth, and to offer what we can, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.