In the bleak midwinter when the sky was low
Children walking homeward wishing for the snow
Christmas lights in windows all along the way
In the bleak midwinter at the close of day.
In the bleak midwinter, at the Christmas feast
A family leaves Chicago and travel to the east
For a public mansion in Washington, D.C.
In a time of trouble and festivity.
All across the nation, sea to shining sea,
People watch the passage of that family
And our loving wishes go out to them there
All the nation breathes a silent hopeful prayer
In the cold gray dimness of a winter dawn
People rise and shine and put the coffee on
There are lists to make and stockings to be filled
And a house of gingerbread someone must build.
In a grey December waiting for the sun
People rise at dawn and do what must be done
In the cold and darkness look around and hear
Singing in the streets and angels coming near.
Angels descending, voices bright and clear.