My Favorite Christmas Poem: Nativity by John Donne

There are many Christmas poems, but not all reach our hearts the same.

One of my favorite poets is John Donne, so naturally he is among the first poets I look towards during this time of year. His poem “Nativity” fits the bill perfectly. You’ll love his words and his emotions as much as I do. Enjoy.

Nativity

Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb,
Now leaves His well-belov’d imprisonment,
There He hath made Himself to His intent
Weak enough, now into the world to come;
But O, for thee, for Him, hath the inn no room?
Yet lay Him in this stall, and from the Orient,
Stars and wise men will travel to prevent
The effect of Herod’s jealous general doom.
Seest thou, my soul, with thy faith’s eyes, how He
Which fills all place, yet none holds Him, doth lie?
Was not His pity towards thee wondrous high,
That would have need to be pitied by thee?
Kiss Him, and with Him into Egypt go,
With His kind mother, who partakes thy woe.

by John Donne