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Written by Juan Carlos Acostsa, Director of Worship at The Village Church

One of my all-time favorite verses from my one of my all-time favorite carols is the final verse of “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Christina Rossetti apparently did not intend for this poem to be set as a hymn, despite that as a poem it was simply titled “A Christmas Carol.” Despite the irregular rhythm of each line, and not lending itself to a hymn setting, the 1906 Hymnal (Church of England) included a setting by Gustav Holst,

composer of The Planets. In 1911 Harold Darke published a setting for choir that fit the text a little better. I love them both and have fond memories of singing, playing, and conducting many settings over the years. The final verse (4^th in the Holst and 5^th in the Darke) is the one that really speaks to me. It places the author in the directly in the Christmas story (see below). Oftentimes when I get to this point on Christmas Eve, I am emptied out. I have given all of my energy to concerts, multiple services, caroling, holiday, and family functions. This song helps remind me that the most important thing I can give is my heart. Not gifts. Not my busyness. Not even my music. Somehow it helps center me in what ends up being the busiest season of the year for me.  I am partial to this recording and setting because I think it captures a bit of the mystery of the text. And because we recorded in the Sanctuary of the Village Church.

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.