In the Bleak Midwinter

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.

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.