"Hymn for Christmas Day" by Christina Rossetti
Did you know Christina Rossetti wrote dozens of Advent and Christmas poems? Enjoy this “Hymn for Christmas Day” as you pause to celebrate this week.
The Shepherds watch their flocks by night,
Beneath the moon's unclouded light,
All around is calm and still,
Save the murm'ring of the rill:
When lo! a form of light appears,
And on the awe-struck Shepherds' ears
Are words, of peace and comfort flowing
From lips with love celestial glowing.
Spiritual forms are breaking
Through the gloom, their voices taking
Part in the adoring song
Of the bright angelic throng.
Wondering the Shepherds bend
Their steps to Bethlehem, and wend
To a poor and crowded inn: –
Tremblingly their way they win
To the stable, where they find
The Redeemer of mankind,
Just born into this world of danger,
Lying in an humble manger.
And they spread abroad each word
Which that joyful night they'd heard,
And they glorified the name
Of their gracious God, Who came
Himself to save from endless woe
The offspring of this world below.
Read more of Christina Rossetti’s Christmas poems here, and download the CMI advent guide for more celebratory readings and activities for these Christmas days.
Notes
- Registration Open: The 2025 CMI Conference is coming, and registration is now open! Conference tickets = the best Christmas gifts, and we even have some special conference bundles available only until January 5th which give you first dibs on pre-conference registration and more as well. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Golden Isles!
- Course Registration: Registration is open for the Spring CORE cohorts and our New Immersion Masterclasses. Snag a spot!
- No Office Hours: We will not be having Office Hours in December. Here is a recording of our discussion from last year about some of our favorite Christmas books.
