In the Bleak Midwinter

Christmas Carol Lyrics

In the bleak mid-winter
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,
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
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.

About This Carol

In the Bleak Midwinter is a tender and contemplative Christmas carol that began life as a poem by English writer Christina Rossetti in the 1870s. Known for her deeply spiritual and emotionally resonant poetry, Rossetti crafted a vision of Christ’s birth set against a stark, wintry landscape. The imagery is both simple and profound; snow on the ground, a humble stable, and the quiet awe of angels and shepherds.

The poem was set to music in the early 20th century by two composers: Gustav Holst (in 1906), whose setting is most often sung in churches, and Harold Darke (in 1911), whose more elaborate choral version is a favorite in cathedral services and Christmas concerts. Both versions are revered for their grace and beauty.

Rather than recounting the Nativity in dramatic fashion, In the Bleak Midwinter offers a moment of stillness and devotion. Its final stanza - “What can I give him, poor as I am?” - turns the carol into a personal reflection on giving and humility, making it especially poignant during the Christmas season.

With its gentle tone and poetic soul, In the Bleak Midwinter remains a favorite among choirs and those seeking a quieter, more introspective expression of faith at Christmastime.

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