In the Bleak Midwinter

Text: Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1894
Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934 

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, Incarnate 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.

                              Winter
                                          by Bob Cardoza
Actually, the 1st snow arrives in the Fall...
Blanketing the ground with glistening crystals...
A negative conotation usually comes from the Experienced shoveler, but it's simply delight in
The eyes of youngsters...
The true Yankee has already put their garden
To sleep...while others scurry about boarding jet
Planes to escape to warmer climates.
We celebrate the Lord's Birthday which universally
Lifts spirits high to make this time of year, a
Positive season.
But for many people, emotions run the gamut from
Jovial to solemn, possibly due to a financial struggle,

current loss or illness in their family..

It's times like this, We must lean on the stronger-
Spirited to help cope with bad times.
We must hold fast a strong belief as Christians...for
It gives us inner strength to endure.
Then by the early days of Spring, when the first
Crocuses pop through the melting snow, possibly
Two Old Timers talking are over-heard saying,
"It wasn't such a bad Winter !

                                       

                      
                                                      "Times"

God gives evidence of His ever-presence in these solitary times...
The sky's baron portrayal signifies winter at peak, although the ground blanketed with snow makes things picturesque...
Little or no commotion is detected in wildlife at a glance...Remember to listen, for He speaks clearly of His plan...just observe & pray , His final control over destiny reigns Him to be the true Ruler.
Death is a reminder to all, whose lives are invincible, but only a stepping-stone for those who walk in His path.
Why do my emotions run much like New England's moods?
The hereafter promises us to "Live, On Earth, As it is in Heaven"...His loving re-assurance makes all things possible...Welcome what God has in store for us every day !