culture. education. literary studies.
The Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" draws on biblical symbols and imagery, focusing on Israelโs desperate yearning for the Messiah, as promised by the ancient prophets of God: the King who would save the chosen people from otherwise certain death and destruction.
Performed by numerous country, bluegrass, and pop music performers, Iโll Fly Away will soon mark its first centenary: originally written as a church hymn by Alfred E. Brumley in 1929, its folksy tune and the message of life eternal continues to inspire hope and faith.
With Christmas approaching, for this post I've selected โA Christmas Carolโ (better known as โIn the Bleak Midwinterโ), first published in 1872. Set to music by Gustav Holst in 1906, this poem / church hymn has since become part of the classic repertoire of Christmas carols.
grammaticus 