Introduction: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
“Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur, first appeared in the 1962 collection Walking the Dog, explores the profound implications of Christ’s birth, using imagery of the humble stable and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Wilbur’s signature poetic style shines through in his use of vivid language, intricate rhyme schemes, and a deep-seated spirituality. The poem’s central theme is the transformative power of God’s love, as embodied in the life and sacrifice of Jesus, and the hope it offers for humanity’s redemption.
Text: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. – St. Luke XIX.39-40
A stable-lamp is lighted
Whose glow shall wake the sky;
The stars shall bend their voices,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry,
And straw like gold shall shine;
A barn shall harbor heaven,
A stall become a shrine.
This child through David’s city
Shall ride in triumph by;
The palm shall strew its branches,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry,
Though heavy, dull, and dumb,
And lie within the roadway
To pave his kingdom come.
Yet he shall be forsaken,
And yielded up to die;
The sky shall groan and darken,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry
For stony hearts of men:
God’s blood upon the spearhead,
God’s love refused again.
But now, as at the ending,
The low is lifted high;
The stars shall bend their voices,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry
In praises of the child
By whose descent among us
The worlds are reconciled.
Annotations: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
| Lines | Annotation |
| A stable-lamp is lighted / Whose glow shall wake the sky; | The stable where Christ is born is illuminated, symbolizing the light of His presence which will have a cosmic impact, “waking” the sky. |
| The stars shall bend their voices, / And every stone shall cry. | The stars, representing celestial beings or divine forces, will “bend” their voices in praise, and even the inanimate stones will cry out in testimony. |
| And every stone shall cry, / And straw like gold shall shine; | The stones and straw, humble objects, will also glorify the event, suggesting that even the simplest things are transformed by Christ’s birth. |
| A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine. | The barn, a humble and earthly place, becomes sacred (“heaven”) as it shelters the newborn Christ, with the stall turning into a shrine for worship. |
| This child through David’s city / Shall ride in triumph by; | A prophecy of Christ’s future triumphal entry into Jerusalem (David’s city), symbolizing His kingship and fulfillment of messianic prophecies. |
| The palm shall strew its branches, / And every stone shall cry. | Refers to the Palm Sunday event, where palm branches were laid down for Christ as He entered Jerusalem, with stones still witnessing His significance. |
| And every stone shall cry, / Though heavy, dull, and dumb, | The stones, though lifeless and ordinary, will express a profound truth, emphasizing how even the unresponsive world recognizes the divine. |
| And lie within the roadway / To pave his kingdom come. | The stones pave the way for Christ’s coming kingdom, symbolizing how all creation plays a part in preparing the path for His reign. |
| Yet he shall be forsaken, / And yielded up to die; | A foreshadowing of Christ’s crucifixion, where He is abandoned by His people and suffers death, despite His divine mission. |
| The sky shall groan and darken, / And every stone shall cry. | At Christ’s death, the natural world responds with sorrow, with the darkening sky symbolizing mourning and the stones again bearing witness. |
| And every stone shall cry / For stony hearts of men: | The stones metaphorically cry out for the hardened hearts of men who reject Christ, emphasizing their spiritual blindness and cruelty. |
| God’s blood upon the spearhead, / God’s love refused again. | The spear that pierced Christ symbolizes the rejection of God’s love and sacrifice, as His blood is shed and His love is spurned. |
| But now, as at the ending, / The low is lifted high; | Refers to the ultimate victory and exaltation of Christ, where the humble are raised and the meek are glorified in the final redemption. |
| The stars shall bend their voices, / And every stone shall cry. | A return to the cosmic praise of Christ, where stars and stones alike offer their voices in reverence for the divine. |
| And every stone shall cry / In praises of the child | Every part of creation, even the stones, praises the Christ child for His divine nature and redemptive role. |
| By whose descent among us / The worlds are reconciled. | Christ’s incarnation (“descent among us”) brings reconciliation not only to humanity but to the entire cosmos, mending the rift between heaven and earth. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | The repetition of initial consonant sounds. | “Whose glow shall wake the sky;” | The repetition of the “w” sound creates a sense of wonder and awe. |
| Allusion | A reference to a famous person, place, event, or work of literature. | “And he shall be forsaken, / And yielded up to die;” | This alludes to Jesus’ crucifixion. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. | “And every stone shall cry,” | The repetition of “And every stone shall cry” emphasizes the universality of the event. |
| Antithesis | The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or images. | “The low is lifted high;” | This contrast highlights the paradoxical nature of Christ’s birth and death. |
| Assonance | The repetition of vowel sounds within words. | “A stable-lamp is lighted” | The repetition of the “a” sound creates a soothing and calming effect. |
| Consonance | The repetition of consonant sounds within words, especially at the end of words. | “A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine.” | The repetition of the “n” sound creates a sense of finality and resolution. |
| Enjambment | The continuation of a sentence or phrase beyond the end of a line of poetry. | “The stars shall bend their voices, / And every stone shall cry.” | Enjambment creates a sense of flow and momentum. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for effect. | “A stable-lamp is lighted / Whose glow shall wake the sky;” | The exaggeration emphasizes the significance of the event. |
| Imagery | The use of vivid language to create mental images. | “A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine.” | The imagery evokes a sense of wonder and reverence. |
| Irony | A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. | “Though heavy, dull, and dumb, / And lie within the roadway” | The irony lies in the idea that inanimate objects will praise God while humans may not. |
| Metaphor | A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “A barn shall harbor heaven” | The barn is compared to heaven, symbolizing the divine presence. |
| Meter | The rhythmic pattern of a poem. | The poem is primarily in iambic tetrameter. | The meter contributes to the poem’s solemn and reflective tone. |
| Onomatopoeia | The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent. | “The sky shall groan and darken” | The words “groan” and “darken” imitate the sounds of mourning. |
| Paradox | A statement that seems contradictory but is actually true. | “The low is lifted high;” | This paradox suggests that humility leads to greatness. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things. | “The stars shall bend their voices” | The stars are given the ability to sing, emphasizing their reverence. |
| Rhyme | The repetition of sounds at the end of words. | The poem uses an ABAB rhyme scheme. | The rhyme scheme creates a sense of order and harmony. |
| Symbolism | The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. | The stable represents humility and simplicity. | The stable symbolizes the humble birth of Christ. |
| Syntax | The arrangement of words in a sentence. | The poem uses a variety of sentence structures. | The varying syntax contributes to the poem’s complexity and interest. |
| Theme | The central idea or message of a literary work. | The theme of the poem is the transformative power of God’s love. | The poem explores the profound impact of Christ’s birth on the world. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude toward the subject matter. | The tone is solemn, reflective, and reverent. | The tone reflects the sacred nature of the event being described. |
Themes: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
· The Paradox of Humility and Grandeur: Richard Wilbur’s “Christmas Hymn” explores the paradoxical nature of Christ’s birth, juxtaposing the humble setting of a stable with the profound implications of His divine presence. The poem suggests that true greatness is often found in simplicity and humility. As Wilbur writes, “A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine.” This paradox highlights the transformative power of God’s love, which can manifest in unexpected and ordinary circumstances.
· The Triumph of Hope over Despair: Despite the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endures, the poem ultimately conveys a message of hope. The image of “straw like gold shall shine” symbolizes the promise of redemption and renewal. Even in the face of darkness and despair, the poem suggests that God’s love can overcome all obstacles. The final lines, “And every stone shall cry / In praises of the child / By whose descent among us / The worlds are reconciled,” affirm the ultimate triumph of hope over despair.
· The Universality of God’s Love: Wilbur’s poem emphasizes the universality of God’s love, extending it to both animate and inanimate objects. The stones, traditionally associated with silence and indifference, are depicted as crying out in praise of the newborn Christ. This suggests that God’s love is not limited to human beings but encompasses all of creation. The poem’s message is one of inclusivity and the possibility of redemption for all.
· The Power of Transformation: “Christmas Hymn” explores the transformative power of God’s love. The poem suggests that even the most hardened and seemingly lifeless objects can be touched by divine grace. The stones, initially described as “heavy, dull, and dumb,” are transformed into instruments of praise. This transformation mirrors the hope of human redemption and the possibility of personal growth and spiritual renewal.
Literary Theories and “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
| Theory | Description | References from the Poem |
| New Criticism | Focuses on the text itself, analyzing its elements such as imagery, symbolism, and structure. | “A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine.” (Symbolism of the humble birth) |
| Deconstruction | Challenges the notion of a fixed meaning, exploring underlying contradictions and ambiguities. | “And every stone shall cry,” (The ambiguity of the stones’ voices) |
| Ecocriticism | Examines the relationship between literature and the natural world. | “The sky shall groan and darken” (Imagery of the natural world reflecting human emotions) |
Critical Questions about “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
· How does Wilbur’s use of imagery contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and emotional impact?
- Wilbur employs vivid imagery throughout “Christmas Hymn” to create a sensory experience for the reader. The imagery of the stable, the stars, and the stones serves to evoke specific emotions and enhance the poem’s thematic content. For example, the image of the “stable-lamp” suggests warmth and hope, while the image of the “stones” symbolizes the potential for transformation even in the most unlikely places. This imagery not only creates a vivid mental picture but also reinforces the poem’s central themes of humility, grandeur, and the transformative power of divine love.
· What is the significance of the paradox of humility and grandeur in the poem?
- The paradox of humility and grandeur is a key element of “Christmas Hymn.” Wilbur juxtaposes the humble setting of Christ’s birth with the profound implications of His divine presence. This contrast highlights the transformative power of God’s love, which can manifest in unexpected and ordinary circumstances. The poem suggests that true greatness is often found in simplicity and that even in the most humble beginnings, extraordinary things can happen.
· How does the poem’s use of language and poetic devices enhance its thematic content?
- Wilbur’s skillful use of language and poetic devices contributes significantly to the poem’s effectiveness. The repetition of phrases, such as “And every stone shall cry,” emphasizes the universality of God’s love. The use of metaphor, like “A barn shall harbor heaven,” creates powerful images that convey deep meaning. These devices not only enhance the poem’s aesthetic appeal but also reinforce its central themes and emotional impact.
· How does “Christmas Hymn” relate to contemporary issues and concerns?
- While written in the 1960s, “Christmas Hymn” remains relevant today. Its themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of love can be applied to contemporary issues and concerns. The poem offers insights into the human condition and the potential for positive change, even in challenging times. It reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the importance of compassion and understanding.
Literary Works Similar to “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
- “The Nativity” by John Donne: Both poems explore the cosmic and spiritual significance of Christ’s birth with profound imagery.
- “Journey of the Magi” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s poem, like Wilbur’s, reflects on the spiritual journey and the transformative power of Christ’s arrival.
- “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti: Both poems meditate on the humble setting of Christ’s birth, emphasizing the contrast between earthly poverty and divine glory.
- “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” by John Milton: Milton and Wilbur both celebrate the nativity with rich, reverent imagery that touches on celestial and earthly responses to Christ’s coming.
- “A Christmas Carol” by G.K. Chesterton: Chesterton’s poem, like Wilbur’s, presents a contrast between the humble earthly scene and the profound spiritual significance of Christ’s birth.
Representative Quotations of “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “A stable-lamp is lighted / Whose glow shall wake the sky” | Describes the light from the stable at Christ’s birth, suggesting cosmic significance. | Theological symbolism: The light symbolizes Christ as the light of the world, awakening spiritual awareness across the universe. |
| “The stars shall bend their voices, / And every stone shall cry” | The celestial and terrestrial elements join in praise of Christ. | Cosmic unity: Nature and the cosmos are unified in recognizing the divine event, emphasizing the interconnection between creation. |
| “A barn shall harbor heaven, / A stall become a shrine” | The humble barn is transformed into a sacred space by the birth of Christ. | Sacred vs. profane: The juxtaposition of ordinary and divine reflects how the sacred can inhabit the mundane, elevating the humble. |
| “This child through David’s city / Shall ride in triumph by” | Foreshadows Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, linking His birth to His future as a king. | Messianic prophecy: References the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah’s triumph in David’s lineage. |
| “Though heavy, dull, and dumb, / And lie within the roadway” | Stones are described as lifeless but still capable of bearing witness to Christ’s significance. | Natural theology: Even inanimate objects, through their silence, participate in the revelation of divine truth. |
| “Yet he shall be forsaken, / And yielded up to die” | A reference to Christ’s Passion, acknowledging the suffering that awaits Him. | Atonement theology: Highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ’s death, central to Christian doctrines of redemption. |
| “The sky shall groan and darken, / And every stone shall cry” | At the moment of Christ’s death, both the sky and stones react in mourning. | Natural world’s lament: The physical world responds to Christ’s death, suggesting an intrinsic bond between creation and the divine. |
| “For stony hearts of men: / God’s blood upon the spearhead” | The spearhead that pierces Christ reflects humanity’s rejection of divine love. | Sin and rejection: Human hardness of heart (stony hearts) leads to the crucifixion, symbolizing the rejection of divine grace. |
| “But now, as at the ending, / The low is lifted high” | At the end, the humble are exalted, reflecting Christ’s redemptive power. | Reversal of fortune: Echoes the Christian theme of the last becoming first, a central message of divine justice and redemption. |
| “By whose descent among us / The worlds are reconciled” | Christ’s incarnation leads to the reconciliation of heaven and earth. | Incarnational theology: The doctrine that Christ’s incarnation heals the rift between the human and divine, uniting all of creation. |
Suggested Readings: “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur
- Park, Clara Claiborne. “Called to Praise: Richard Wilbur’s Brilliant Positive.” Christianity and Literature, vol. 42, no. 4, 1993, pp. 551–67. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44312235. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
- Scott, Nathan A. “The Poetry of Richard Wilbur—”The Splendor of Mere Being”.” Christianity and Literature, vol. 39, no. 1, 1989, pp. 7–33. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44314778. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
- Brooks, Cleanth. “This World and More: The Poetry of Richard Wilbur.” Christianity and Literature, vol. 42, no. 4, 1993, pp. 541–50. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44312234. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.
- Wilbur, Richard. New and collected poems. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1989.