This text, a section from one of Tennyson's most famous poems, "In Memoriam A.H.H," written in memory of his friend A. H. Hallam, deals with the uncertainties of Christmas in the modern world. Its dark, almost agnostic feeling would suit it to a "Blue Christmas" service. The tune is from the traditional English Christmas carol, "A Babe is born, all of a Maid."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, F.R.S. (1809-1892). From a portrait by Sir John Millais (1829-1896)