Page 25 - 12 Days of Christmas (2020)

The Story Behind the Carol Bible Verse:

Colossians 3:15-17

This carol was written by Christina Georgina Rossetti
(1830-1894). She was a prolific Victorian poet, though she
didn’t become popular until after her death. She was born
And let the peace of Christ rule in
into a religious family and educated at home, including
your hearts, to which indeed you were
theology. Her daily life was centered with devotion (One of
called in the one body. And be
her brothers described her “replete with spirituality”) and
thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell
much of her poetry reflects a wide theme on religion. In the
in you richly; teach and admonish one
Bleak Midwinter was first published in the American
another in all wisdom; and with
monthly poetry magazine, Scriber’s Monthly, in 1872.
gratitude in your hearts sing psalms,
Unlike many carols which tell the Christmas Story, the text
hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
is set in a rather dark scene. It might be because she was
And whatever you do, in word or deed,
suffering with her illness. The last stanza, “What shall I
do everything in the name of the Lord
give him?” is a question for all, but she practiced in her
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
daily life by adjusting her life to help her family as they
through him.
suffered with their father's illness and financial difficulties
and also volunteered at a refuge center for former
prostitutes over decades. The melody of this carol was set
by the renowned British composer Gustav Holst in 1906.
Three years later, Harold Darke set this text in his newly
composed melody published as a choir anthem.

Composed by Gustav Holst/ arr. Priscilla Hayden-Roy
Performed by Priscilla Hayden-Roy, vocal & guitar