Love Came Down at Christmas

“Love Came Down at Christmas” was written by the English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti in 1885. Known for her devotional poetry and strong Christian faith, Rossetti expressed the incarnation of Christ in this short but profound hymn. It was later published in her collection Time Flies: A Reading Diary in 1885 and has since been set to various tunes, most notably by composers such as R.O. Morris and Harold Darke. The hymn emphasizes the central theme of the Christmas message: God’s love manifested in the birth of Jesus Christ.

The hymn begins by declaring that love itself came down at Christmas, identifying Jesus Christ as the embodiment of divine love. This Christ-centered love is described as the greatest gift from heaven, revealing God’s mercy and redemption for mankind. The text avoids elaborate imagery and instead focuses on simple yet powerful expressions of theology, pointing to love as the defining nature of the incarnation and the Christian life.

Over time, “Love Came Down at Christmas” has been embraced in both liturgical and congregational settings. Its tender words make it suitable for reflective carol services, emphasizing not only the joy of Christ’s birth but also the call for believers to respond with worship and love toward both God and one another. With its poetic beauty and clear spiritual message, Rossetti’s hymn remains a treasured contribution to Christmas hymnody, reminding worshippers that love is both the source and the fulfillment of the season.