A Song for Christmas
A Song for Christmas is a short story by George MacDonald that tells the tale of a young boy named Peter who lives in a small village in Scotland. The story takes place during the Christmas season and follows Peter's journey as he tries to find the perfect gift for his mother. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and learns valuable lessons about generosity, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas.
By George MacDonald · First published 1875 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 290 words
First lines
I. Hark, in the steeple the dull bell swinging Over the furrows ill ploughed by Death! Hark the bird-babble, the loud lark singing! Hark, from the sky, what the prophet saith!
Hark, in the pines, the free Wind, complaining -- Moaning, and murmuring, "Life is bare! " Hark, in the organ, the caught Wind, outstraining, Jubilant rise in a soaring prayer!
Toll for the burying, sexton tolling! Sing for the second birth, angel Lark! Moan, ye poor Pines, with the Past condoling! Burst out, brave Organ, and kill the Dark!
II. Sit on the ground, and immure thy sorrow; I will give freedom to mine in song! Haunt thou the tomb, and deny the morrow; I will go watch in the dawning long!
What this Textopian page supports
A Song for Christmas is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1875 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1875 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Nature, Lyrical
- Length: 290 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Song for Christmas by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Christmas Sermon by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Christmas 1880 by George Macdonald
- Christmas Day 1878 by George Macdonald
- Christmas Day And Every Day by George Macdonald
- A Christmas Prayer by George Macdonald
- Christmas Meditation by George Macdonald
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — Themes of death, rebirth, and spiritual renewal are prevalent, aligning with religious motifs.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes such as life, death, and the afterlife, prompting philosophical reflection.
- Nature — Imagery of natural elements like the sky, pines, and birds is used to convey themes and emotions.
Tags
Christmas · holiday · family · love · faith · redemption · joy · spirituality · tradition · community · celebration · forgiveness