In the Bleak Midwinter

The First Sunday after Christmas Day
December 29, 2019
As our celebration continues throughout the twelve days of Christmas, we have the opportunity to sing even more of the wonderful carols that tell the story of the nativity and reflect on the meaning of the incarnation.

 A favorite Christmas hymn in the Anglican tradition is "In the bleak midwinter" by Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894). First published in 1872, the hymn gained popularity when paired with the tune, Cranham, composed especially for it by Gustav Holst (1874-1934). The hymn reached The Episcopal Church through its inclusion in The Hymnal 1940 and has become a beloved carol in our Christmas repertoire. Hear a recording: In the Bleak Midwinter

 The Hymnal 1982 Companion notes that "...like
certain visual artists, Rossetti has depicted the Christmas landscape in terms of her own familiar environment: the English winter climate instead of the warmer Palestinian weather." This approach can be seen in music and art from around the world. Artists and musicians interpret the Christmas story in light of their own culture, environment, and experience.

 The Episcopal Church honors Rossetti with a feast day on April 27. A devout Anglican, Rossetti remained active in worship and service until she became homebound due to illness later in life. Her devotional poetry remains an important resource for Christians today. 

 Music for the First Sunday after Christmas Day 
Christina Rossetti, as painted by her brother,
Dante Gabriel Rossetti

December 29, 2019

 Hymns
93   Angels from the realms of glory (Regent Square)
96   Angels we have heard on high (Gloria)
89   It came upon a midnight clear (Carol)
109   The first Nowell (The First Nowell)
112   In the bleak midwinter (Cranham)
99   Go tell it on the mountain (Go Tell It on the Mountain)


 Service Music
Sanctus S-125, Richard Proulx
Fraction Anthem S-154, David Hurd

 Organ Voluntaries
Partita on “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” 
-Michael Burkhardt
Pastorale on “Of the Father's Love Begotten”
-Albert Zabel 
Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness     
-Johannes Brahms
In Dulci Jubilo 
-Johann Sebastian Bach
"In the Bleak Midwinter" as first published in Scribner's Monthly, January, 1872

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