2019 marks 125th anniversary of poet, hymnist’s death
By Joanne Sloan
Christina Rossetti (1830–1894), a famous Victorian poet, wrote the beautiful Christmas carol — “In the Bleak Midwinter.”
She also wrote the words of “Love Came Down at Christmas,” as well as religious, children’s and fantasy poetry.
This year is the 125th anniversary of her death.
She was born to Gabriele and Frances Rossetti in London on Dec. 5, 1830. Her father, a revolutionary nationalist, was an Italian exile. He settled his family in London and became a professor of Italian at King’s College.
Rossetti’s mother taught her at home, stressing classical and religious literature. At the age of 6 she wrote her first poem, “To My Mother.” Her grandfather published it when she was 17 as well as seven more poems when she was 20.
In the 1860s she wrote “Goblin Market and Other Poems” and “The Prince’s Progress and Other Poems,” which established her as a major poet. Her “Sing-Song: A Nursery Rhyme Book” made her a famous children’s writer.
A member of the Anglican Church, she devoted her life to God. Her faith sustained her as she suffered poor health. In 1871 she was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease which caused her to have protruding eyes and discoloration of her skin. In 1893 she developed breast cancer.
She died on Dec. 29, 1894, and is buried in London’s Highgate Cemetery.
Her first Christmas carol, “Love Came Down at Christmas” was published in 1893. Christian band Jars of Clay included it on its 2007 album “Christmas Songs.”
The editor of the American magazine, Scribner’s Monthly, asked Rossetti to write a Christmas poem for his periodical. “In the Bleak Midwinter” was published in 1872. Composer Gustav Holst set it to music for The English Hymnal.
In a poll of some of the world’s leading choir experts in 2008 it was named the best Christmas carol. Several famous singers such as Julie Andrews, James Taylor and Susan Boyle have recorded the carol.
The last stanza resonates with many people at Christmas:
“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.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — Joanne Sloan, a member of First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, has been a published writer of articles and books for 30 years. She has a bachelor’s degree double majoring in history and English from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M–Commerce) and a master’s degree specializing in English from the University of Arkansas (1978).
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