Samuel Longfellow’s words from 1864 dramatically depict the bitterness of a Minnesota winter, “…all the earth lies dead and drear.” “And yet, God’s love is not withdrawn” is Longfellow’s faithful response to the winters in our lives. This a cappella setting for SATB choir uses changes of mode and dynamic to contrast the stark cold of the season with the warmth of “summer’s joyous rays.” Composed in memory of Barbara Aspaas (1941-2014).
‘Tis winter now; the fallen snow Has left the heav’ns all coldly clear; Through leafless boughs the sharp winds blow, And all the earth lies dead and drear.
And yet God’s love is not withdrawn; His life within the keen air breathes, His beauty paints the crimson dawn, And clothes the boughs with glitt’ring wreaths.
And though abroad the sharp winds blow, And skies are chill, and frosts are keen, Home closer draws her circle now, And warmer glows her light within.
O God! who giv’st the winter’s cold As well as summer’s joyous rays, Us warmly in Thy love enfold And keep us through life’s wintry days.
