in the bleak midwinter

Another song I truly love for its lyrics is "In the Bleak Midwinter." I've just discovered this song this year, actually. Though I've heard it before, I'd never really paid attention to the full lyrics, being somewhat turned off by the title. It sounded so depressing. But I encourage you to read the lyrics below, and then find your favorite version. Its on both the Sarah McLachlan and Jars of Clay Christmas albums. Again, this song shows the seeming juxtaposition of the greatness of our God and yet how simple a response with which he is pleased.

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.