“Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

“Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti first appeared in 1893 in the collection, Verses, is a beautiful reflection on the anticipation and joy of Christmas. Rossetti employs vivid imagery and a contemplative tone to convey the spiritual significance of the holiday. The poem’s central theme is the coming of Jesus Christ and the hope and peace that this brings to the world. Through its lyrical language and evocative imagery, “Christmas Eve” invites readers to contemplate the profound meaning of the season.

Text: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Christmas hath a darkness
    Brighter than the blazing noon,
Christmas hath a chillness
   Warmer than the heat of June,
Christmas hath a beauty
   Lovelier than the world can show:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
   Brought for us so low.

Earth, strike up your music,
   Birds that sing and bells that ring;
Heaven hath answering music
   For all Angels soon to sing:
Earth, put on your whitest
   Bridal robe of spotless snow:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
   Brought for us so low.

Annotations: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Line	Annotation
Christmas hath a darkness	This line suggests that Christmas has a profound, almost mysterious quality, emphasizing the spiritual depth of the occasion.
Brighter than the blazing noon,	The darkness of Christmas is paradoxically brighter than the brightest part of the day, highlighting the divine light that Christmas brings to the world.
Christmas hath a chillness	This line points to the coldness of the winter season, often associated with Christmas, but this chillness carries a deeper, comforting warmth.
Warmer than the heat of June,	The warmth of Christmas is compared to the heat of summer, suggesting that the spiritual warmth of Christmas surpasses even the hottest month of the year.
Christmas hath a beauty	This line introduces the idea of Christmas being beautiful, but in a way that is beyond the physical beauty of the world.
Lovelier than the world can show:	The beauty of Christmas is described as surpassing any earthly beauty, indicating its divine and transcendent nature.
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,	This line identifies the source of Christmas’s beauty, warmth, and light: the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith.
Brought for us so low.	The phrase “brought for us so low” refers to the humility of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the idea that he came into the world in a humble state for humanity’s salvation.
Earth, strike up your music,	The earth is called to celebrate the birth of Christ, with “music” symbolizing joy and praise.
Birds that sing and bells that ring;	Birds and bells are natural and human symbols of celebration, representing the harmony between nature and mankind in rejoicing.
Heaven hath answering music	This line suggests that the joy of Christmas is so profound that even heaven responds with its own music, symbolizing the unity between heaven and earth.
For all Angels soon to sing:	The angels in heaven are depicted as preparing to sing in celebration of Christ’s birth, underscoring the heavenly significance of the event.
Earth, put on your whitest	The earth is urged to adorn itself in its purest, symbolized by the color white, representing purity and holiness.
Bridal robe of spotless snow:	The imagery of a “bridal robe” signifies purity and the sacred union between Christ and the world, with snow symbolizing the unblemished nature of this union.
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,	Repeated from earlier, this line reaffirms the central theme that Christmas brings the birth of Jesus, the reason for the celebration.
Brought for us so low.	The repetition of this line reinforces the humility and sacrifice of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the importance of this event for humanity.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Literary Device	Definition	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.	“Brighter than the blazing noon”	The repetition of the “b” sound in “brighter” and “blazing” creates a musical quality and emphasizes the contrast between light and dark.
Allusion	A reference to another work, person, or event, often biblical or mythological.	“For Christmas bringeth Jesus”	This is an allusion to the Christian narrative of the birth of Jesus Christ, grounding the poem in a religious context.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.	“Christmas hath a…”	The repetition of “Christmas hath” at the beginning of each line emphasizes the contrasting qualities of Christmas.
Antithesis	A rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve contrast.	“Darkness brighter than the blazing noon”	The poet contrasts “darkness” with “brighter” and “noon” to highlight the paradoxical nature of Christmas, where opposites coexist.
Apostrophe	Directly addressing someone absent, dead, or an inanimate object as if it were alive.	“Earth, strike up your music”	The poet addresses “Earth” as if it can respond and perform an action, imbuing it with human-like qualities.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.	“Brighter than the blazing noon”	The repetition of the “a” sound in “blazing” and “brighter” creates a harmonious rhythm in the line.
Caesura	A strong pause within a line of poetry.	“For Christmas bringeth Jesus, Brought for us so low.”	The pause after “Jesus” creates emphasis and allows for reflection on the significance of Jesus’s humility.
Contrast	Juxtaposition of opposing elements to highlight their differences.	“Chillness warmer than the heat of June”	The poet contrasts the “chillness” of Christmas with “warmer” to enhance the paradoxical nature of the holiday’s significance.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line.	“For Christmas bringeth Jesus, / Brought for us so low.”	The thought carries over from one line to the next, reflecting the ongoing and connected nature of the Christmas story.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.	“Lovelier than the world can show”	The phrase exaggerates the beauty of Christmas, suggesting that no worldly beauty can compare to its spiritual significance.
Imagery	Language that evokes sensory experiences.	“Bridal robe of spotless snow”	This visual imagery conjures an image of purity and whiteness, symbolizing the holiness of Christmas.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“Christmas hath a chillness / Warmer than the heat of June”	The “chillness” of Christmas is metaphorically compared to warmth, conveying the comfort and joy of the holiday season.
Parallelism	The use of similar grammatical structures in successive lines or clauses.	“Christmas hath a darkness / Brighter than the blazing noon”	The similar structure of the lines emphasizes the contrasting images and creates a rhythmic flow.
Personification	Attributing human characteristics to non-human things.	“Earth, strike up your music”	Earth is personified as capable of making music, adding a spiritual and celebratory dimension to the poem.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.	“For Christmas bringeth Jesus”	The repetition of “bringeth Jesus” reinforces the central message of the poem, the birth of Christ.
Rhyme Scheme	The ordered pattern of rhymes at the end of lines.	“noon” / “June” and “show” / “low”	The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, creating a musical and harmonious effect.
Simile	A comparison using “like” or “as.”	N/A	There is no direct simile in this poem, as most comparisons are implied through metaphor.
Symbolism	The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.	“Bridal robe of spotless snow”	The “bridal robe” symbolizes purity and the sacred union between heaven and earth during Christmas.
Synecdoche	A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole.	“Earth, put on your whitest / Bridal robe of spotless snow”	The “whitest” and “bridal robe” represent the entire earth being dressed for the holy occasion of Christmas.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker towards the subject.	Reverent, Joyful	The tone of the poem is one of reverence and celebration, reflecting the spiritual and joyful nature of Christmas.

Themes: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

• Reference: “The starry sky above, The silent night below, A peaceful scene, a holy sight.”

Literary Theories and “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Literary Theory	Application to “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti
Feminist Theory	Feminist theory examines the role of women in literature and society. Rossetti, a female poet in the Victorian era, often used religious themes in her work. “Christmas Eve” reflects traditional Christian values, which can be explored through a feminist lens by analyzing how Rossetti’s religious devotion intersects with her identity as a woman. The portrayal of purity, humility, and devotion in the poem can be interpreted as reflecting societal expectations of women during the Victorian era.
Religious/Spiritual Theory	This theory focuses on the spiritual and religious dimensions of a text. “Christmas Eve” is rich with Christian symbolism and themes, such as the birth of Jesus and the sacredness of Christmas. The poem reflects Rossetti’s deep Christian faith and can be analyzed through this lens to explore the religious significance of Christmas, the embodiment of divine love, and the idea of Christ’s humility as central to the celebration. The imagery of purity, light, and music all serve to elevate the spiritual experience of Christmas.
Romanticism	Romanticism emphasizes emotion, nature, and the sublime. In “Christmas Eve,” Rossetti blends natural imagery (e.g., snow, birds) with the divine, creating a sense of the sublime. The poem can be analyzed through this lens by focusing on how it evokes deep emotional responses to the divine mystery of Christmas and how nature is portrayed as reflecting the purity and beauty of the spiritual world. The use of paradoxical imagery (darkness brighter than noon, chillness warmer than June) aligns with Romantic ideals of exploring the profound and transcendent.

Critical Questions about “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

• How does Rossetti use paradox to convey the spiritual significance of Christmas?
• Christina Rossetti employs paradoxical imagery throughout “Christmas Eve” to highlight the spiritual depth and mystery of the Christmas celebration. For instance, the poem opens with the line, “Christmas hath a darkness / Brighter than the blazing noon,” where darkness, typically associated with absence of light, is described as brighter than noon, suggesting a divine light that transcends ordinary perception. Similarly, the line “Christmas hath a chillness / Warmer than the heat of June” contrasts the coldness of winter with the warmth of summer, implying that the spiritual warmth of Christmas surpasses even the physical warmth of the sun. These paradoxes serve to elevate the reader’s understanding of Christmas as an event that defies ordinary expectations, embodying both the humility and the majesty of Christ’s birth.
• In what ways does the poem reflect Rossetti’s Christian beliefs?
• “Christmas Eve” is deeply rooted in Christian theology, reflecting Rossetti’s devout beliefs. The poem’s central focus is the birth of Jesus, whom Rossetti describes as “Brought for us so low,” emphasizing the humility of Christ’s incarnation. The recurring motif of Jesus being “brought low” highlights the idea of divine sacrifice, a core tenet of Christianity. Additionally, the poem calls for a response from both Earth and Heaven: “Earth, strike up your music,” and “Heaven hath answering music,” suggesting a cosmic celebration of Christ’s birth. This duality of earthly and heavenly joy underscores the poem’s depiction of Christmas as a momentous event that bridges the divine and the human.
• How does Rossetti use imagery to contrast the physical and spiritual worlds in the poem?
• Rossetti skillfully contrasts the physical and spiritual realms through vivid imagery in “Christmas Eve.” The physical world is depicted with tangible elements like “Birds that sing and bells that ring,” representing the natural and human-made celebrations of Christmas. In contrast, the spiritual world is evoked through phrases like “Heaven hath answering music” and “Bridal robe of spotless snow,” where the purity of snow and the music of Heaven symbolize the spiritual purity and divine harmony associated with the birth of Christ. These contrasting images serve to emphasize that while Christmas is celebrated in the physical world, its true significance lies in the spiritual realm, where it is seen as a manifestation of divine love and purity.
• What role does nature play in Rossetti’s depiction of Christmas in the poem?
• Nature plays a significant role in “Christmas Eve,” serving as both a participant in and a witness to the sacred event of Christ’s birth. Rossetti personifies the Earth, urging it to “strike up your music” and to “put on your whitest / Bridal robe of spotless snow.” The imagery of nature donning a bridal robe suggests that the Earth is preparing itself for a sacred union, symbolizing the purity and sanctity of Christmas. The mention of “Birds that sing” further connects nature to the celebration, illustrating how the natural world joins in the joy of the occasion. Through these references, Rossetti portrays nature as not only a backdrop but an integral part of the divine celebration, reflecting the harmony between the natural and the spiritual during Christmas.

Literary Works Similar to “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

1. “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore: Both poems capture the anticipation and joy of Christmas Eve.
2. “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard Smith: Both poems evoke the magical atmosphere of a winter wonderland.
3. “Silent Night” by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr: Both poems celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the peaceful night of his arrival.
4. “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Edmund Sears: Both poems describe the peaceful and serene atmosphere of Christmas Eve.
5. “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam and Placide Cappeau: Both poems express the awe and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Suggested Readings: “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Representative Quotations of “Christmas Eve” by Christina Rossetti

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Christmas hath a darkness / Brighter than the blazing noon”	These opening lines introduce the paradox of Christmas, where darkness is depicted as brighter than noon, symbolizing the spiritual light of Christ.	Romanticism – Focus on the sublime, where paradox and transcendence convey profound spiritual truths.
“Christmas hath a chillness / Warmer than the heat of June”	This line contrasts the cold of Christmas with the warmth of summer, emphasizing the comforting spiritual warmth of the holiday.	Religious/Spiritual Theory – Highlights the inner warmth and spiritual comfort that Christmas provides.
“For Christmas bringeth Jesus, / Brought for us so low.”	This line underscores the central theme of the poem: the humility of Christ’s incarnation, coming into the world in a lowly state.	Religious/Spiritual Theory – Focuses on the Christian concept of divine humility and sacrifice.
“Earth, strike up your music”	The Earth is called to celebrate the birth of Christ, reflecting the unity between the physical world and the divine.	Romanticism – Celebrates the harmony between nature and the spiritual world.
“Birds that sing and bells that ring;”	Natural and human-made sounds are presented as part of the joyful celebration of Christmas.	Ecocriticism – Explores the relationship between nature and human culture in the context of religious celebration.
“Heaven hath answering music”	Heaven is depicted as responding to Earth’s celebration, symbolizing the cosmic significance of Christ’s birth.	Religious/Spiritual Theory – Emphasizes the connection between the divine and earthly realms.
“Earth, put on your whitest / Bridal robe of spotless snow”	The Earth is urged to adorn itself in purity, symbolized by snow, as if preparing for a sacred union.	Feminist Theory – The bridal imagery can be explored in terms of traditional gender roles and purity expectations.
“For all Angels soon to sing:”	This line anticipates the heavenly celebration of Christ’s birth, with angels poised to join in the chorus.	Religious/Spiritual Theory – Focuses on the heavenly response to Christ’s birth, reinforcing divine joy.
“Lovelier than the world can show:”	Christmas is depicted as possessing a beauty that surpasses any earthly beauty, indicating its transcendent nature.	Aesthetic Theory – Explores the idea of beauty that transcends the physical world, aligning with divine aesthetics.
“For Christmas bringeth Jesus, / Brought for us so low.”	Repeated in the poem, this line reinforces the humble birth of Christ as central to the Christmas celebration.	New Historicism – Reflects the historical context of Christian belief in humility and divine incarnation.