In honor of the birthday of English poet Christina Rossetti (1830-1894), here is a choral setting by John Rutter of her poem “Love Came Down at Christmas,” sung by the choir of the New Apostolic Church of Southern Africa.
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.