james taylor
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. enough for him whom cherubim worship night and day breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay; enough for him whom angels fall before the ox and ass and camel which adore. 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.