Love Came Down at Christmas facts for kids
"Love Came Down at Christmas" is a beautiful Christmas poem. It was written by a famous English poet named Christina Rossetti. This poem first appeared in a book called Time Flies: A Reading Diary in 1885. At that time, it didn't have a specific title. Later, in 1893, it was included in another collection of poems called Verses. There, it was given the title "Christmastide".
A Christmas Carol
Many musicians have turned "Love Came Down at Christmas" into a Christmas carol. This means they wrote music to go with the poem's words. Famous composers like R. O. Morris, Harold Darke, and John Rutter have created their own versions. People also sing the poem using an old Irish tune called "Garton".
More recently, a Christian band named Jars of Clay used the poem in a modern way. They included it on their 2007 album, Christmas Songs. An American composer, Jennifer Higdon, also set the poem to music. Her version was for a singer, a harp, and a choir. In 2014, a new musical version by David J. Loxley-Blount was performed. It was sung by a choir in Southwark Cathedral and later near the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree in London.
The Poem's Meaning
The poem is known for being very simple and heartfelt. It talks about the true meaning of Christmas. One expert, Studwell, said the poem is "simple, direct and sincere." He also noted that it's special because it became popular even without a well-known tune. Many carols become famous because of their music. This poem shows that its words alone can touch people's hearts.
The Words of the Poem
Here are the words of Christina Rossetti's poem:
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- Love came down at Christmas,
- Love all lovely, Love Divine,
- Love was born at Christmas,
- Star and Angels gave the sign.
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- Worship we the Godhead,
- Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
- Worship we our Jesus,
- But wherewith for sacred sign?
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- Love shall be our token,
- Love be yours and love be mine,
- Love to God and all men,
- Love for plea and gift and sign.
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