Poem of the Season: ‘Love Came Down at Christmas’

Christina Rossetti, the poet for all occasions.

Though we may not realize it, we’re digesting not sentiments, but ideas. Like the best hymns, Rossetti’s Christmas poems offer us little theological treatises, effectively disguised as music. 

Joseph Bottum, New York Sun

Introduction

Christina Rossetti’s “Love Came Down at Christmas” is a beloved Christmas carol that captures the essence of the Christian narrative in its poetic form. The poem, originally written as a sonnet, reflects on the divine nature of love as it manifests in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Let us explore the theological depth of the poem by examining its imagery, themes, and the Christian sources that influenced its creation. Through a close reading of the text and an analysis of its historical context, we will gain a deeper understanding of the poem’s significance and its contribution to the broader tradition of Christian poetry.

Theological Imagery and Themes

The poem begins with the vivid image of “love” personified, which aligns with the Christian theological concept of agape, the divine love that transcends human understanding. This personification is a common technique in Christian poetry to express abstract truths in tangible forms. The descent of love is reminiscent of the incarnation, where God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of John (1:14), “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The incarnation is a central tenet of Christian faith, emphasizing God’s willingness to be intimately involved in human affairs.

The second stanza introduces the paradox of God’s greatness and humility, as seen in the birth of Jesus in a lowly manger. This juxtaposition underscores the Christian belief in the kenosis, where the divine nature empties itself to take on human form (Philippians 2:6-8). The “Love” that comes down is both “mighty” and “gentle,” reflecting the dual nature of Christ as both the powerful Son of God and the humble servant. The “sinless breast” of Jesus is a reference to his purity and the atonement he would provide for humanity, a theme echoed in various hymns and scriptural texts.

The third stanza further develops the theme of God’s immanence in the world, suggesting that the presence of love transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The “sin and strife” of the world are contrasted with the peace that Christ’s birth brings, resonating with the biblical prophecy of the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The poem emphasizes the idea that divine love is not only a historical event but also a present reality that can be experienced in the hearts of believers.

Christian Sources

Rossetti’s poem draws from various Christian sources, including scripture, liturgy, and hymnody. The opening lines echo the opening of the Gospel of John, where the Word (Logos) is identified as God’s love that comes into the world to bring light and life (John 1:1-5). The poem’s structure and content also reflect the liturgical season of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ. The use of the word “mighty” in the second stanza is reminiscent of the hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” which describes Jesus as the “mighty God.”

Furthermore, the poem reflects the broader Christian tradition of using the natural world to illustrate spiritual truths. The “shepherds and wise men,” along with the “beasts and angels,” participate in the cosmic chorus of praise for the newborn King, a scene that recalls the Nativity narratives in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The mention of “snow on snow” may symbolize the purity of Christ’s love and the transformative power of his grace, which covers the “sinful clay” of humanity.

Historical Context

Written in the 19th century, “Love Came Down at Christmas” emerged during a period of renewed interest in medieval and mystical Christian thought. The Victorian era saw a revival of traditional religious practices and a reevaluation of the role of faith in society.

Rossetti, who was part of the Anglo-Catholic movement within the Church of England, often infused her poetry with deep spiritual reflection and a commitment to the Christian faith. Her poem reflects this era’s emphasis on the personal and emotional aspects of faith, particularly in the intimate and domestic imagery of the manger scene.

The poem also responds to the social and intellectual challenges of the time, including the rise of scientific inquiry and its impact on traditional religious beliefs. Rossetti’s use of nature as a conduit for divine love can be seen as an attempt to reconcile the material and spiritual worlds, a common theme among Victorian writers seeking to articulate a faith that could withstand the scrutiny of a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

In “Love Came Down at Christmas,” Christina Rossetti masterfully encapsulates the profound theological truths of the Christian faith in a simple yet powerful narrative. Through her use of imagery, symbolism, and Christian motifs, the poem becomes a rich tapestry of the divine love that permeates the world and offers redemption to humanity.

By examining the poem through the lens of its Christian sources and historical context, we can appreciate the depth of its theological message and the ways in which it resonates with the timeless themes of the Nativity story. The poem serves not only as a celebration of Christmas but also as a profound meditation on the nature of God and the transformative power of love.