Midwinter Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Midwinter, a captivating song by Audrey Assad, captures the essence of the Christmas season and the profound meaning behind the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Let's journey through the profound message of Midwinter and discover the beauty of the incarnation.
1. Understanding the Meaning of Midwinter:
Midwinter, as depicted in the lyrics, refers to the season of winter. The song beautifully describes the cold and harsh conditions of winter, symbolizing the brokenness and darkness of the world before the arrival of Jesus Christ. The frosty wind and the earth standing hard as iron illustrate the spiritual state of humanity, desperately in need of redemption.
The repetition of the phrase "snow on snow on snow" emphasizes the accumulation of sin and brokenness in the world. The bleakness and coldness of midwinter serve as a powerful metaphor for the state of the human heart before encountering the warmth and light of Christ.
2. Inspiration and Story behind Midwinter:
While there isn't specific information available about the inspiration behind Midwinter, it is evident that Audrey Assad wrote this song to reflect on the beauty and significance of the incarnation. Drawing from her own faith and contemplation of the Christmas story, Assad skillfully weaves together imagery and emotions to convey the transformative power of Christ's birth.
3. Biblical References and Connections:
Midwinter draws upon several biblical references that are central to the Christmas narrative. By exploring these connections, we can gain a deeper understanding of the message conveyed in the song.
3.1 Luke 2:7:
The lyrics mention a "bed of hay," alluding to the humble manger where Jesus was laid after His birth. This references the Gospel of Luke, which describes the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The use of the phrase "Mother's milk to fill Him" further emphasizes the humanity and vulnerability of Jesus as He entered the world.
3.2 Isaiah 1:18:
The lyrics ask, "Was enough for Him, this world?" This question echoes the message of Isaiah 1:18, where God invites His people to reason together, saying, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." This verse beautifully portrays the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which is symbolized by the snow in the song.
3.3 Matthew 2:1-12:
The reference to shepherds and wise men in the lyrics connects to the biblical account of Jesus' birth. The shepherds, who came to worship the newborn King, represent the lowly and humble. In contrast, the wise men, guided by a star, symbolize the seekers of truth and wisdom. The inclusion of these figures in the song emphasizes that regardless of our status or background, we can offer our hearts to Jesus.
4. The Power of Giving:
The final verse of Midwinter poses the question, "What can I give Him, poor as I am?" This question reflects the heart's desire to respond to the gift of Christ's presence in our lives. It reminds us that our material possessions or achievements are not what truly matter. What matters most is the sincere offering of our hearts to Jesus, just as the shepherds and wise men did.
The lyrics prompt us to reflect on the significance of our own lives and the ways we can respond to the gift of Christ's incarnation. It encourages us to give our hearts and surrender our lives to Jesus, recognizing that this is the greatest gift we can offer.
Conclusion:
Midwinter by Audrey Assad is a powerful song that beautifully captures the essence of the Christmas season and the profound meaning of the incarnation. Through poetic imagery and heartfelt lyrics, the song reminds us of the brokenness of the world before Jesus' arrival and the transformative power of His birth.
As we delve into the biblical references, we discover connections to the humble manger, the invitation to be washed white as snow, and the significance of the shepherds and wise men. These references deepen our understanding of the message and bring us closer to the heart of the Christmas story.
Ultimately, Midwinter reminds us of the power of giving our hearts to Jesus, regardless of our circumstances or abilities. As we enter the Christmas season, may we be inspired by the profound message of Midwinter and offer our hearts to the One who came to bring light and hope to a dark and broken world.
