On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity by John Milton analysis

 

"On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity" is a nativity ode by John Milton that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It was written in 1629 and first published in 1645. The poem reflects Milton's deep religious convictions and his profound engagement with Christian theology.

This is the month, and this the happy morn,

      Wherein the Son of Heav'n's eternal King,

Of wedded Maid, and Virgin Mother born,

      Our great redemption from above did bring;

      For so the holy sages once did sing,

            That he our deadly forfeit should release,

            And with his Father work us a perpetual peace.

 

The speaker begins by establishing the setting and occasion. The month referred to is likely December, the traditional month of celebrating Christ's birth. The "happy morn" refers to the joyous morning of Christmas, the day when Christ was born. The poem immediately shifts to the central focus: the birth of Jesus, who is identified as the Son of the eternal King of Heaven, referring to God. This emphasizes the divine nature of Christ. The speaker underscores the miraculous nature of Christ's birth by emphasizing that he was born of a virgin woman. The Virgin Mary, according to Christian tradition, conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit while remaining a virgin. The purpose of Christ's birth is described as bringing about "our great redemption." This refers to the Christian belief that Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection, provides redemption and salvation for humanity. The speaker alludes to the wise men or sages who, according to the biblical narrative, foretold and celebrated the birth of Christ. This emphasizes the prophetic nature of Christ's coming. The holy sages sang of Christ's mission: to release humanity from the deadly consequences of sin. The idea of a "forfeit" suggests a penalty or consequence, and Christ's role is to redeem or release humanity from this spiritual debt. The ultimate goal of Christ's redemptive mission is to reconcile humanity with God (his Father) and establish a lasting peace. "Perpetual peace" implies an enduring state of harmony between humanity and the divine.

That glorious Form, that Light unsufferable,

      And that far-beaming blaze of Majesty,

Wherewith he wont at Heav'n's high council-table,

      To sit the midst of Trinal Unity,

      He laid aside, and here with us to be,

            Forsook the courts of everlasting day,

            And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay.

 

 

 

  The speaker goes on describing the divine and radiant form of Christ, using terms like "glorious" and "Light unsufferable." This emphasizes the brilliance and majesty of Christ's existence. He  conveys the extraordinary splendor and majestic radiance associated with Christ's divine nature. The "far-beaming blaze of Majesty" evokes an image of an intense and distant light.

  Poet describes the nature of Christ though he has high position in heaven he may come down for saving humanity. The mention of the "Trinal Unity" refers to the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son (Christ), and Holy Spirit. Christ, as part of this unity, is depicted as taking an active role in heavenly proceedings. The speaker describes Christ's voluntary act of setting aside his glorious form and divine majesty to come to Earth and be with humanity. This act is central to the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation. Christ's departure from the "courts of everlasting day" emphasizes the heavenly realm from which he descended to join the mortal world. This departure is a selfless choice made for the sake of humanity. Christ's choice to be born in a human body is depicted as choosing a "darksome house of mortal clay." This emphasizes the humble and earthly nature of Christ's incarnation, as he takes on human flesh.

 

Say Heav'nly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein

      Afford a present to the Infant God?

Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain,

      To welcome him to this his new abode,

      Now while the heav'n, by the Sun's team untrod,

            Hath took no print of the approaching light,

            And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright?

 

The speaker addresses the "Heav'nly Muse," inviting divine inspiration to help him convey the significance of Christ's incarnation. The Muse is asked if she will provide a fitting tribute to the Infant God. The speaker asks if the Heavenly Muse will offer a gift, such as a verse, hymn, or solemn strain, to welcome the Infant God, symbolizing the celebration of Christ's birth. The speaker repeats the request, emphasizing the need for a poetic tribute or hymn to welcome Christ to his new dwelling place on Earth. The speaker sets the temporal context, describing the dawn of Christ's nativity before the sun rises. The phrase "by the Sun's team untrod" suggests a moment untouched by the sun's chariot, symbolizing a pristine and holy time. The speaker describes the celestial realm, where the "spangled host" or stars are depicted as keeping watch in bright squadrons. This reinforces the heavenly anticipation and celestial significance of Christ's birth.

these lines from Milton's poem capture the profound theological concept of the Incarnation—the divine becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ. The speaker seeks divine inspiration to craft a worthy tribute to welcome the Infant God on the morning of his nativity.

In fact On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity is a poetic celebration of the birth of Christ. The poem opens with an invocation to the Holy Spirit, asking for inspiration to sing the Nativity of Christ. The speaker reflects on how the pagan gods and goddesses have fallen silent because the true God has descended to Earth. The poem then moves to the events surrounding Christ's birth, depicting the joy and peace that came with the arrival of the Savior. Various celestial and mythological figures, such as Saturn and Apollo, are described as giving up their thrones in acknowledgment of Christ's superior reign.

The speaker envisions the shepherds and the Wise Men coming to witness the newborn Christ. The poem also explores the impact of Christ's birth on the natural world, with descriptions of the elements rejoicing and nature being transformed. The poem concludes with a vision of the future, where Christ's teachings will spread throughout the world, and all nations will join in worship.

Religious Themes:

The poem is deeply rooted in Christian theology, celebrating the significance of Christ's Nativity as the pivotal moment in human history. Milton draws on Biblical narratives and Christian doctrine, presenting Christ as the divine redeemer and savior of humanity.

Mythological Allusions:

Milton incorporates elements of classical mythology to emphasize the magnitude of Christ's birth. The silence of pagan gods and goddesses underscores the supremacy of the Christian God.

The poem juxtaposes the fading influence of pagan deities with the triumphant arrival of Christ, suggesting a transition from the old order to the new.

Nature Imagery:

Milton uses vivid and elaborate nature imagery to describe the transformative effects of Christ's birth on the natural world.

The Hymn and Song of Praise:

The poem is structured as a hymn, emphasizing its devotional and celebratory nature. The language and tone are elevated, reflecting a sense of reverence.

The hymn form allows Milton to express the joy and wonder associated with the Nativity, evoking a sense of religious ecstasy.

Theological Vision:

Milton's poem goes beyond a simple retelling of the Nativity story; it presents a theological vision of the impact of Christ's birth on the entire cosmos. As he had a redemptive mission.

Future Prophecy:

The concluding stanzas envision a future where the teachings of Christ will spread across the world, leading to a universal acknowledgment of his divine authority.