In the Bleak Mid-Winter
The Girl Choristers of Merton College Oxford & Benjamin Nicholas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain,
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay Enough for Him, whom angels Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel Which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air
But only His mother
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.
"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is a Christmas carol that explores the humble and contrasting circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse sets the scene in a winter landscape, describing the harshness and coldness of the environment. The repetition of "snow on snow" emphasizes the desolation and isolation of this mid-winter setting.
The second verse delves into the divine nature of Christ, proclaiming that neither heaven nor earth can contain Him when He comes to rule. Despite this, in the bleak mid-winter, His presence is found in a lowly stable. The phrase "A stable-place sufficed" highlights the simplicity and modesty of His birth. It reveals the paradox of God's immense power and glory being contained within such humble surroundings.
The third verse highlights the contrast between the grandeur typically associated with the worship of God and the offerings presented to Christ in the stable. The reference to cherubim and angels worshipping Him day and night with their songs implies their eternal devotion. However, the only one present to adore Him in the stable was His mother, Mary, who worshipped Him with a motherly kiss, capturing the tender and personal nature of their relationship.
Finally, the last verse reflects on the singer's own inadequacy and poses the question of what they can offer to the newborn Christ. The mention of shepherds and wise men as examples of what one could give emphasizes the sacrifice and devotion they demonstrated. Despite feeling poor and insignificant, the ultimate gift the singer can offer is their heart, symbolizing their love, devotion, and commitment to Christ.
Overall, "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" evokes a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the contrast between the quiet and unassuming nature of Jesus' earthly arrival and His divine status as the Savior of the world. Through its reflective lyrics, the song invites listeners to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas and the significance of offering oneself fully to Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
In the bleak mid-winter
During a dark and cold season
Frosty wind made moan
The chilling wind mourned
Earth stood hard as iron
The ground was rigid and unyielding
Water like a stone
The water was frozen solid
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow
There was an accumulation of snow layer after layer
In the bleak mid-winter
During a dark and cold season
Long ago
In a distant past
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain
God is too vast for heaven or earth to contain
Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign
When God comes to rule, heaven and earth will tremble
In the bleak mid-winter
During a dark and cold season
A stable-place sufficed
A humble stable was enough
The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ
The powerful Lord, Almighty God, in the form of Jesus Christ
Enough for Him, whom cherubim Worship night and day
Even though cherubim adore Him constantly
A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay
A small amount of milk and a feed trough filled with hay
Enough for Him, whom angels Fall down before
Sufficient for Him, whom angels prostrate themselves to
The ox and ass and camel Which adore
The ox, donkey, and camel also worship Him
Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air
It's possible that angels and archangels were present, and the air filled with cherubim and seraphim
But only His mother In her maiden bliss Worshipped the beloved With a kiss
Yet, it was only His mother, in her pure joy, who worshiped the beloved with a kiss
What can I give Him, Poor as I am?
As someone lacking material wealth
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb
If I were a shepherd, I would offer a lamb as a gift
If I were a wise man I would do my part
If I were a wise man, I would fulfill my role
Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart.
But all I can offer is my heart
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GUSTAV HOLST, OSMAN BASHIRI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind