In the bleak midwinter, icy wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow on snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long, long ago.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim rising in the air;
Oh but only Mary, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a mother's kiss.
Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall fall away when He comes to reign.
What can I give Him, empty as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would know my part;
What then can I give Him: I must give my heart.