Love Came Down

Born in London in 1830, Christina Rossetti was a major Victorian poet best known for her romantic, devotional, and children's poems. In addition to her poetry, Rossetti was a prolific writer of short stories, homilies, prayers, and Biblical commentaries.

As Rossetti's rather sensational brother -- Dante Gabriel Rossetti -- gallivanted around London as Victorian London's leading Bohemian artist, Rossetti herself stayed home with her books and pens, caring for her aging mother and devoting herself to the Church of England.

Rossetti first published her poem "Love Came Down at Christmas" in 1885 without a title. Since then, the poem has been put to music as a Christmas carol a number of times, including a more recent song by Jars of Clay. Consider the words of Rossetti's simple but profound poem "Love came Down":

Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine,

Love was born at Christmas,

Star and Angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,

Love Incarnate, Love Divine,

Worship we our Jesus,

But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,

Love be yours and love be mine,

Love to God and all men,

Love for plea and gift and sign.

In a world of complications, Rossetti's Christmas poem is revered for its simplicity -- particularly as its simple verses equate the birth of Jesus Christ with love sent from heaven itself. In what ways can you simplify the complexities of the Christmas season, seeking the sacred sign that reminds us of the hope and love of Jesus?

Advent blessings,

Jennie