Introduction: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
“Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan first appeared in Silex Scintillans (1650), a collection of deeply spiritual and metaphysical poetry reflecting Vaughan’s religious devotion and mysticism. The poem celebrates the birth of Christ with joyous and reverent imagery, portraying nature as responding to the miracle of the Nativity. Vaughan uses vibrant metaphors, comparing Christ’s arrival to the dawn (“The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks”), emphasizing divine illumination. The poem’s popularity stems from its heartfelt combination of praise, personal longing, and penitence. The speaker initially calls for joyful worship (“Awake, glad heart! get up and sing!”), but then shifts to an introspective tone, expressing a desire to be pure enough to receive Christ (“I would I had in my best part / Fit rooms for thee!”). The final stanza invokes Christ’s cleansing power, reflecting a key Christian theme of redemption (“Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean”). This blend of jubilation and humility, characteristic of Vaughan’s style, continues to resonate with readers drawn to its lyrical celebration of Christ’s transformative presence.
Text: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
Awake, glad heart! get up and sing!
It is the birth-day of thy King.
Awake! awake!
The Sun doth shake
Light from his locks, and all the way
Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.
Awake, awake! hark how th’ wood rings;
Winds whisper, and the busy springs
A concert make;
Awake! awake!
Man is their high-priest, and should rise
To offer up the sacrifice.
I would I were some bird, or star,
Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far
Above this inn
And road of sin!
Then either star or bird should be
Shining or singing still to thee.
I would I had in my best part
Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart
Were so clean as
Thy manger was!
But I am all filth, and obscene;
Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.
Sweet Jesu! will then. Let no more
This leper haunt and soil thy door!
Cure him, ease him,
O release him!
And let once more, by mystic birth,
The Lord of life be born in earth.
Annotations: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
| Line | Simple Explanation |
| Awake, glad heart! get up and sing! | The poet tells his heart to wake up and rejoice. |
| It is the birth-day of thy King. | It is the day Christ was born, a time for celebration. |
| Awake! awake! | A repeated call to wake up and be joyful. |
| The Sun doth shake | The sun is moving or shining brightly. |
| Light from his locks, and all the way | The sun’s rays are compared to hair, shining and spreading light. |
| Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day. | The sun’s warmth fills the air with a sweet scent. |
| Awake, awake! hark how th’ wood rings; | Listen to how the forest echoes with sounds of celebration. |
| Winds whisper, and the busy springs | The wind and streams create a soft, musical sound. |
| A concert make; | Nature itself forms a beautiful melody. |
| Awake! awake! | Another call to wake up and rejoice. |
| Man is their high-priest, and should rise | Humans, as God’s creation, should wake up and worship Him. |
| To offer up the sacrifice. | People should offer their devotion to God, like a religious sacrifice. |
| I would I were some bird, or star, | The poet wishes he could be a bird or a star. |
| Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far | Flying freely in the forest or shining high in the sky. |
| Above this inn | Above the earthly world, which he compares to a temporary shelter. |
| And road of sin! | The world is full of sin, and he wishes to rise above it. |
| Then either star or bird should be | If he were a star or bird, he would always worship God. |
| Shining or singing still to thee. | He would always shine or sing in praise of God. |
| I would I had in my best part | He wishes he had the best place in his heart for Christ. |
| Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart | He wants his heart to be as pure as a special room for Christ. |
| Were so clean as | He wishes his heart were as clean as… |
| Thy manger was! | …the manger where Christ was born. |
| But I am all filth, and obscene; | He acknowledges his own sinfulness and impurity. |
| Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean. | He believes that Christ can cleanse his soul. |
| Sweet Jesu! will then. Let no more | He pleads with Jesus to purify him. |
| This leper haunt and soil thy door! | He compares himself to a leper (a diseased sinner) who defiles Christ’s presence. |
| Cure him, ease him, | He asks Christ to heal and comfort him. |
| O release him! | He wants to be freed from sin. |
| And let once more, by mystic birth, | He prays for Christ to be born again in a spiritual way. |
| The Lord of life be born in earth. | He asks for Christ’s presence to be renewed in the world. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
| Device | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
| Allusion | “Man is their high-priest, and should rise / To offer up the sacrifice.” | These references religious sacrifices in Christianity, particularly Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. |
| Anaphora | “Awake! awake!” (repeated in multiple stanzas) | The repetition of “Awake!” at the beginning of lines emphasizes urgency and excitement. |
| Apostrophe | “Sweet Jesu! will then.” | The speaker directly addresses Jesus, a divine being, as if speaking to him. |
| Assonance | “Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far” | The repetition of the “i” sound in flutt’ring, lifted, and in creates musicality. |
| Caesura | “Cure him, ease him, O release him!” | A pause (caesura) in the middle of the line for dramatic effect. |
| Consonance | “This leper haunt and soil thy door!” | The repetition of the “t” and “r” sounds in leper, haunt, and door creates a harmonious effect. |
| Enjambment | “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks” | The sentence flows beyond one line without punctuation, creating continuity and movement. |
| Epistrophe | “Awake! awake!” (repeated at line ends) | The repetition of Awake! at the end of lines reinforces the theme of renewal. |
| Hyperbole | “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks” | The image of the sun shaking light from its hair exaggerates its brilliance. |
| Imagery | “Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.” | Sensory details evoke the scent of the air, enriching the reader’s experience. |
| Irony | “But I am all filth, and obscene; / Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.” | The speaker acknowledges his impurity but expresses faith that Christ can purify him, an ironic contrast. |
| Metaphor | “Above this inn / And road of sin!” | The world is compared to an “inn” and “road of sin,” symbolizing its temporary and sinful nature. |
| Paradox | “The Lord of life be born in earth.” | The eternal Lord paradoxically takes on a mortal birth. |
| Personification | “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks” | The sun is given human attributes, as if shaking light from its hair. |
| Refrain | “Awake! awake!” (repeated multiple times) | The repeated phrase reinforces the theme of awakening to Christ’s birth. |
| Rhetorical Question | “Let no more / This leper haunt and soil thy door!” | The question, though not explicitly stated, suggests a plea for purification. |
| Simile | “Were so clean as / Thy manger was!” | The speaker compares his heart to Christ’s manger, wishing for purity. |
| Symbolism | “Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far / Above this inn and road of sin!” | The bird and star symbolize freedom and purity, contrasting earthly sin. |
| Synecdoche | “My best part” | “Best part” represents the speaker’s soul or heart, a part standing for the whole. |
Themes: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
- Spiritual Awakening and Rebirth: Henry Vaughan’s poem “Christ’s Nativity” emphasizes the theme of spiritual awakening and rebirth, urging both the speaker and the reader to rise and rejoice in the birth of Christ. The poem repeatedly calls for awakening, as seen in the refrain, “Awake! awake!”, which conveys a sense of urgency and excitement. The speaker implores the heart to “get up and sing!” as if the birth of Christ demands not just recognition but an active, joyful response. This awakening is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, urging humanity to acknowledge the significance of Christ’s arrival. The reference to “Man is their high-priest, and should rise / To offer up the sacrifice.” further underscores the idea that humankind has a responsibility to worship and honor the divine. Vaughan’s use of vibrant imagery, such as “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks”, enhances the theme by depicting the entire world as responding to Christ’s birth with illumination and renewal.
- The Contrast Between Sin and Purity: In “Christ’s Nativity”, Vaughan explores the stark contrast between sin and purity, reflecting on the speaker’s unworthiness in comparison to Christ’s holiness. The speaker longs for a state of purity, lamenting, “But I am all filth, and obscene; / Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.” This admission of sinfulness is contrasted with the image of Christ’s humble yet spotless birth in a manger: “Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart / Were so clean as / Thy manger was!” Here, Vaughan uses the manger as a symbol of simplicity and divine purity, contrasting it with the speaker’s impure soul. This juxtaposition highlights a core Christian belief—that humanity is inherently sinful but can be purified through Christ. The plea for redemption, “Cure him, ease him, / O release him!”, reinforces the idea that salvation is possible only through divine grace, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s presence.
- The Majesty and Wonder of Christ’s Birth: Vaughan’s poem “Christ’s Nativity” celebrates the majesty and wonder of Christ’s birth, portraying it as an event that transforms the entire world. The natural elements—sun, wind, and water—are depicted as rejoicing in Christ’s coming, as in, “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks, and all the way / Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.” This personification of nature underscores the cosmic significance of the Nativity, suggesting that even the physical world acknowledges Christ’s divine presence. The line “Winds whisper, and the busy springs / A concert make;” further enhances the theme, presenting nature as participating in a grand, harmonious celebration. Vaughan’s imagery evokes a sense of divine orchestration, reinforcing the idea that Christ’s birth is not just a human event but a celestial and universal one, inspiring all of creation to praise Him.
- Longing for a Closer Connection with the Divine: Throughout “Christ’s Nativity”, Vaughan expresses a deep longing for a closer connection with Christ, using metaphors of flight and elevation to depict spiritual yearning. The speaker wishes to be a bird or a star, stating, “I would I were some bird, or star, / Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far / Above this inn / And road of sin!” This desire to escape the burdens of earthly existence and be closer to God reflects a common theme in Christian poetry—aspiring to transcend worldly struggles in favor of divine communion. The contrast between the “inn and road of sin” and the freedom of the bird or star suggests that earthly life is weighed down by sin, while spiritual elevation brings one closer to God. By expressing this yearning, Vaughan not only conveys his own devotion but also invites the reader to seek a similar closeness with Christ, reinforcing the poem’s overarching message of redemption and faith.
Literary Theories and “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
| Literary Theory | Application to “Christ’s Nativity” | References from the Poem |
| Formalism | A Formalistic approach analyzes the poem’s structure, language, and poetic devices. Vaughan’s use of alliteration, repetition, personification, and imagery contributes to the musical and evocative quality of the poem. The metrical rhythm and refrain (“Awake! awake!”) emphasize the theme of spiritual awakening. The use of enjambment and caesura enhances the poem’s lyrical flow. | “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks, and all the way / Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.” (personification, imagery) |
| Christian Allegory / Religious Criticism | Vaughan’s poem can be read through a Christian allegorical lens, where the Nativity symbolizes redemption, purification, and divine grace. The poem presents the contrast between sin and purity, reflecting the Christian belief in salvation through Christ. The speaker acknowledges human sinfulness but expresses hope in Christ’s power to cleanse and redeem. | “But I am all filth, and obscene; / Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.” (redemption, purification) |
| Romanticism / Nature Criticism | Vaughan’s depiction of nature as a living entity responding to Christ’s birth aligns with Romantic themes. The poem presents nature as an active participant in divine events, celebrating Christ’s arrival through imagery of the sun, wind, and springs. This reflects Vaughan’s mystical and deeply spiritual view of nature as an extension of divine creation. | “Winds whisper, and the busy springs / A concert make;” (nature as a spiritual force) |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | From a psychoanalytic perspective, the poem reflects inner conflict and longing for spiritual purity. The speaker expresses a desire to escape sin and attain divine closeness, which can be interpreted as the struggle between the id (earthly desires) and the superego (spiritual aspirations). The repeated pleas for cleansing suggest a deep subconscious yearning for transformation and redemption. | “I would I were some bird, or star, / Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far / Above this inn / And road of sin!” (longing for transcendence) |
Critical Questions about “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
- How does Vaughan use imagery to emphasize the divine significance of Christ’s birth?
- Henry Vaughan employs vivid natural imagery to emphasize the divine significance of Christ’s birth, portraying the entire universe as responding joyfully to the Nativity. The personification of the sun in “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks, and all the way / Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.” suggests that even celestial bodies celebrate the arrival of Christ. The reference to “Winds whisper, and the busy springs / A concert make;” further reinforces this idea, illustrating nature as an active participant in divine worship. By using sensory details of light, sound, and fragrance, Vaughan elevates Christ’s birth beyond a historical event, portraying it as a cosmic transformation that affects all of creation. This approach aligns with Christian theology, which views Christ’s arrival as an event of universal significance, bringing light to a darkened world. Vaughan’s imagery not only beautifies the poem but also underscores the spiritual joy and renewal associated with the Nativity.
- What role does the theme of sin and purification play in the poem?
- The theme of sin and purification is central to “Christ’s Nativity,” as the speaker reflects on his own unworthiness in contrast to Christ’s divine purity. Vaughan presents a clear contrast between the holy and the sinful, as seen in “But I am all filth, and obscene; / Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.” Here, the speaker acknowledges human depravity but expresses faith that Christ has the power to cleanse and redeem. This sentiment is reinforced by the plea: “Cure him, ease him, / O release him!”, which echoes traditional Christian prayers for forgiveness. The image of Christ’s manger as a pure and holy space contrasts with the speaker’s impure heart: “Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart / Were so clean as / Thy manger was!”. This comparison implies that spiritual cleansing is necessary for Christ to dwell within a person’s heart. Vaughan presents salvation as both a divine gift and a personal longing, reinforcing the Christian belief that true purity comes only through Christ’s grace.
- How does Vaughan use repetition and structure to reinforce the poem’s central message?
- Vaughan’s use of repetition and structure in “Christ’s Nativity” reinforces the poem’s themes of spiritual awakening and devotion. The repeated command “Awake! awake!” serves as both a call to action and a spiritual imperative, urging the reader to recognize and celebrate the significance of Christ’s birth. The repetition mirrors the joyful urgency of the Nativity, as if the entire world must respond instantly. Additionally, the balanced structure of the poem, with its regular rhyme scheme and rhythmic lines, contributes to a sense of order and harmony, reflecting the divine order Christ’s birth brings to the world. The refrain-like quality of certain phrases, such as “Awake, awake!” and “Cure him, ease him, / O release him!”, creates a musical, prayer-like effect, emphasizing the poem’s role as an act of worship and supplication. Vaughan’s structural choices thus ensure that the reader is not merely observing but actively engaging in the poem’s spiritual message.
- In what ways does the poem express a longing for spiritual transcendence?
- Vaughan expresses a deep longing for spiritual transcendence in “Christ’s Nativity,” particularly through metaphors of flight and elevation. The speaker expresses a desire to escape the sinful world, stating, “I would I were some bird, or star, / Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far / Above this inn / And road of sin!”. Here, the bird and star symbolize spiritual ascension, contrasting with the earthly “inn and road of sin”, which represent human mortality and corruption. The speaker wishes to exist in a state of perpetual worship, as seen in “Then either star or bird should be / Shining or singing still to thee.”. This suggests a longing for constant devotion, where the speaker is no longer weighed down by earthly struggles. Vaughan conveys the idea that true fulfillment is found not in the material world but in spiritual unity with Christ. This theme aligns with Christian mysticism, which often emphasizes the soul’s yearning to escape earthly constraints and find divine peace.
Literary Works Similar to “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
- “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” by John Milton – This poem, like Vaughan’s, celebrates Christ’s birth using grand, celestial imagery and explores the cosmic significance of the Nativity.
- “A Hymn on the Nativity” by Richard Crashaw – Similar to Vaughan’s poem, this work expresses reverence for Christ’s humble birth and contrasts divine purity with human sinfulness.
- “Christmas” by George Herbert – This poem, like “Christ’s Nativity,” reflects on the personal and spiritual transformation that Christ’s birth brings to humanity.
Representative Quotations of “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Awake, glad heart! get up and sing! / It is the birth-day of thy King.” | The speaker calls for spiritual awakening and joy in response to Christ’s birth. | Religious Criticism – The poem aligns with Christian devotional poetry, encouraging worship and celebration of the Nativity. |
| “The Sun doth shake / Light from his locks, and all the way / Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.” | The sun is personified as rejoicing in Christ’s birth, spreading light and fragrance. | Romanticism / Nature Criticism – Nature actively participates in divine events, a common theme in religious Romantic poetry. |
| “Winds whisper, and the busy springs / A concert make.” | Nature is described as celebrating the Nativity, producing music in harmony with Christ’s arrival. | Formalism – The musical quality of the line reinforces the poem’s theme of divine joy through poetic structure. |
| “Man is their high-priest, and should rise / To offer up the sacrifice.” | Humanity is depicted as responsible for recognizing and worshiping the divine. | Christian Allegory – The speaker reinforces humanity’s spiritual duty to Christ, drawing from Biblical priestly imagery. |
| “I would I were some bird, or star, / Flutt’ring in woods, or lifted far / Above this inn / And road of sin!” | The speaker expresses a desire to transcend earthly sin and be closer to God. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – This longing reflects an inner conflict between earthly existence (id) and spiritual aspiration (superego). |
| “Then either star or bird should be / Shining or singing still to thee.” | The speaker wishes for a constant state of worship, uninterrupted by sin. | Religious Mysticism – The poem conveys a desire for perpetual divine praise, emphasizing spiritual devotion. |
| “But I am all filth, and obscene; / Yet, if thou wilt, thou canst make clean.” | The speaker acknowledges human sinfulness but expresses faith in Christ’s power to cleanse. | Christian Redemption Theology – Reflects the belief in salvation through Christ, reinforcing the contrast between sin and divine grace. |
| “Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart / Were so clean as / Thy manger was!” | The speaker contrasts the purity of Christ’s manger with his own sinful heart. | Symbolism – The manger symbolizes purity, reinforcing the poem’s theme of spiritual cleansing. |
| “Cure him, ease him, / O release him!” | A desperate plea for divine healing and release from sin. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – The plea suggests a deep psychological need for redemption and freedom from guilt. |
| “And let once more, by mystic birth, / The Lord of life be born in earth.” | The speaker prays for Christ to be spiritually reborn in the world. | Mysticism & Spiritual Renewal – Suggests that Christ’s birth is not just a historical event but an ongoing spiritual reality. |
Suggested Readings: “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan
- Taylor, Jeremy. “Jeremy Taylor and Henry Vaughan: The Stock of Nature and Art.” Gifts and Graces: Prayer, Poetry, and Polemic from Lancelot Andrewes to John Bunyan (2021): 49.
- Kermode, Frank. “The Private Imagery of Henry Vaughan.” The Review of English Studies, vol. 1, no. 3, 1950, pp. 206–25. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/510360. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
- Clough, Wilson O. “Henry Vaughan and the Hermetic Philosophy.” PMLA, vol. 48, no. 4, 1933, pp. 1108–30. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/458199. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
- Underwood, Horace H. “Time and Space in the Poetry of Vaughan.” Studies in Philology, vol. 69, no. 2, 1972, pp. 231–41. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4173761. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
- Durr, Robert Allen. “Vaughan’s Theme and Its Pattern: ‘Regeneration.’” Studies in Philology, vol. 54, no. 1, 1957, pp. 14–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4173187. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.