Christmas and Advent Hymns and their Story

“See the Amid the Winter’s Snow”

The author of this hymn, Edward Caswall [1814-1878], an Anglican priest, wrote this hymn that was intended to be used as a hymn in Catholic Schools. Beginning with the romantic notion that Christmas is always associated with winter and snow, the author embraces the rich teachings of the Nativity. Right away, in the first verse, he refers to Jesus as the Gentle Lamb who fulfills God’s promise. The refrain in the Christmas Morning acclamation “Christ is Born in Bethlehem”. Verse two connects the earthly circumstance of Christ’s birth with His divine power and heavenly world of God’s throne. Verse three reinforces the divinity of the Christ Child and speaks of His coming to a “world such as this”. Finally, verse 4 has us sing of the sanctification that is ours in Jesus, who strengthens us to take on His likeness in our daily lives.

See amid the winter’s snow, born for us on earth below,
See, the gentle Lamb appears, promised from eternal years.
Hail, O ever-blessed morn! Hail, redemption’s happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

LSB 373