Lyrics
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan
In the cold and desolate winter, the chilling wind mournfully made sounds.
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone
The ground was frozen and unyielding like iron, and water had turned into solid stone.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow
Repeated snowfall has covered the landscape, layer upon layer, creating a serene, snowy scene.
In the bleak midwinter, long ago
Refers to a distant past, emphasizing the enduring harshness of winter.
Heaven cannot hold him, nor the earth sustain
Heaven cannot contain or support the presence of a divine being.
Heaven and earth shall flee away
Both heaven and earth will disappear when he, presumably Christ, comes to rule.
When he comes to reign
Describes a future event: the arrival of Christ as a ruler.
In the bleak midwinter a
Returning to the harsh winter setting, highlighting the humble and unassuming place.
Stable place sufficed
A stable serves as a simple yet sufficient place for the significant event.
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ
Identifies the newborn as the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there
Suggests the presence of heavenly beings, possibly indicating the importance of the event.
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air
Various angelic beings filled the air, emphasizing the divine nature of the occasion.
But his mother only, in her maiden bliss
Amidst the celestial assembly, only his mother, in her joyous purity, worshipped him with a kiss.
Worshiped the beloved with a kiss
Highlights the intimate and personal connection between mother and child.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
Expresses a contemplation on what a humble person can offer to the divine newborn.
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb
If the speaker were a shepherd, a lamb would be a symbolic gift of value.
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part
If the speaker were a Wise Man, they would contribute in their own meaningful way.
Yet what I can I give him: give my heart
Concludes with the recognition that the only gift the speaker can give is their heartfelt devotion.
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