“Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine, love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.” 

 

From Love Came Down at Christmas (Rossetti)

 

Don’t you LOVE Christmastime!

blue circle Christmas ornamentTrinity Advent books always have been something I love to read during this season.

“LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS.” I was not familiar with this particular Christmas poem, by Rossetti. So, I did a little research.

“LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS” is a Christmas poem written by Christina Rossetti. The poem was first published in a diary, back in 1885. Some years later, around 1893, this poem was included in a collection of verses titled, “CHRISTMASTIDE.”

Many composers have set this lovely poem to music as a Christmas carol. Also, it has been sung as a traditional Irish melody, “Garton”.

Jars of Clay (who has performed at Trinity) gave the poem a modern boost in their 2007 Christmas album. Which brings me to the December 11 date for this Advent collection.

After an American composer set the text for solo soprano, harp, and 4-part chorus, later, a new setting was arranged. This time by a British composer. And so, on December 11, the choir performed the poem/song at Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree!

LOVE IS ON THE WAY!

O God our Father, send into the darkness of this troubled world, the light and love of your son.

Let the star of hope touch the minds of us all with the bright beams of mercy and truth and love,
so that we can walk the way that was revealed to us by the shepherds of Bethlehem- walk with JOY to the manger!

God, who has declared thy love to men by the birth of your holy child at Bethlehem, let us welcome him. And his love for us!

Indeed, LOVE IS ON THE WAY!

Connie Harter Burton

nativity in white cardboard on blue background

Learn more about Advent at Trinity!