Christina Rossetti, born in London on December 5, 1830, to a family steeped in literary tradition, became a prominent voice in 19th-century English poetry. Though considered as a potential Poet Laureate, her life was tragically cut short by breast cancer in 1894. Known for her deep Anglican faith, Rossetti’s poetry often explores themes of spirituality and devotion. “Christmas Eve,” a seemingly simple yet profoundly resonant poem, exemplifies her ability to intertwine faith, imagery, and musicality to capture the anticipation and joy of Christmas.
Rossetti masterfully uses paradox in the opening stanza of “Christmas Eve.” She juxtaposes “darkness” with “brighter than the blazing noon” and “chillness” with “warmer than the heat of June.” These contrasting images create a sense of awe and mystery, suggesting that the spiritual significance of Christmas transcends the ordinary perceptions of the physical world. The third comparison elevates Christmas beyond any earthly beauty, culminating in the declaration, “For Christmas bringeth Jesus, / Brought for us so low.” The arrival of Jesus is presented as the source of this extraordinary beauty, a gift of divine grace humbling itself for humanity. The ambiguity of “so low” resonates powerfully, referring both to the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth and the speaker’s own humility in receiving this gift.
The second stanza shifts to a more active tone, addressing a personified “Earth.” The imperative commands, “Earth, strike up your music,” and “Earth, put on your whitest / Bridal robe of spotless snow,” imbue the natural world with a sense of purpose and participation in the celebration. The alliteration and internal rhyme of “birds that sing and bells that ring” create a vibrant soundscape, echoing the joyous anticipation of the angels waiting to sing. The imagery of the “whitest / Bridal robe of spotless snow” alludes to the purity and sanctity associated with Christ’s birth, transforming the winter landscape into a symbol of spiritual renewal. The repetition of the refrain, “For Christmas bringeth Jesus, / Brought for us so low,” reinforces the central message of the poem, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s arrival.
Rossetti’s seemingly simple language belies the depth of meaning embedded within “Christmas Eve.” The poem’s concise structure, metrical regularity, and rhyming lines create a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition of sounds, words, and phrases amplifies the emotional impact, emphasizing the anticipation and joy of Christmas. The use of the present tense throughout the poem suggests that the celebration of Christmas is not merely a historical event but a timeless and ever-present reality, a continuous re-enactment of the nativity.
“Christmas Eve,” though brief, offers a profound meditation on the spiritual significance of Christmas. Rossetti’s skillful use of imagery, paradox, and sound creates a poem that resonates with both emotional depth and spiritual insight. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of Christmas as a time of anticipation, joy, and divine grace. It invites readers to experience the transformative power of Christmas, not as a fleeting holiday, but as an eternal celebration of the gift of Jesus.