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.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged on the air;
But His mother Mary, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.
Heaven cannot hold Him, nor can earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
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 can I give Him I would give my heart
Yet what can I give Him I would give my heart
"In The Bleak Midwinter" is a beautiful and poignant song by Brandon Heath that captures the essence of the Christmas season. The song takes its inspiration from the original hymn written by Christina Rossetti in the 19th century. Brandon Heath's rendition adds his own touch of artistry and emotion to the classic hymn, making it a timeless piece.
The song begins with the lyrics, "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." These words paint a vivid picture of a cold and desolate winter landscape, setting the tone for the song's reflective and introspective mood. It highlights the harshness and barrenness of the world, symbolizing the brokenness and emptiness that Jesus came to redeem.
Throughout the song, Brandon Heath beautifully captures the contrast between the earthly setting and the heavenly significance of Christ's birth. The lyrics mention angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, emphasizing the celestial nature of Jesus' arrival. It reminds us that even in the midst of darkness and despair, there is a divine presence and hope.
One scripture verse that relates to the theme of the song is Isaiah 9:2, which says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." This verse echoes the imagery of the bleak midwinter and the arrival of Jesus as the light that shines in the darkness. It conveys the message of hope and restoration that Christmas brings.
Another verse that resonates with the song's message is John 1:14, which states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This verse reminds us that Jesus, the Word of God, humbled Himself and came to dwell among us in the form of a helpless baby. It emphasizes the incredible love and sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity, leaving the glory of heaven to enter our broken world.
As the song reaches its conclusion, the lyrics pose the question, "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 can I give Him I would give my heart." These lines encapsulate the essence of Christmas, reminding us that the greatest gift we can offer to Jesus is our hearts. It challenges us to reflect on how we can give ourselves fully to Him, despite our own inadequacies.
"In The Bleak Midwinter" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that captures the true meaning of Christmas. It reminds us of the contrast between the brokenness of the world and the hope that Jesus brings. Through its lyrics and Brandon Heath's heartfelt rendition, the song invites us to reflect on the significance of Christ's birth and how we can respond to His love.
