In the bleak midwinter, hearts are cold and torn,
News of pain and sorrow, trust and safety worn.
Stories of assault and fear, women silenced long,
Yet a light still shines through, hope that makes us strong.

In the midst of suffering, voices must be heard,
Justice for the silenced, healing through the Word.
Brave survivors speaking out, breaking through the night,
In the bleak midwinter, shining with their light.

Though the world is broken, hearts can still be healed,
Through the strength of kindness, wounds can be revealed.
In the face of hatred, let compassion grow,
In the bleak midwinter, let the love light show.

Christ was born to guide us, through the darkest night,
In the bleak midwinter, shines His holy light.
Hope for all the weary, peace for those in pain,
In the bleak midwinter, love shall rise again.

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15 of 25 Christmas carols with revised lyrics for Advent & Christmas Day reflections 2024, can be sung to the relevant tune.

Full disclosure, ChatGPT and Copilot have been utilised in the developing of this revised version of In the Bleak Midwinter which touches on current affairs with reference to survivors of sexual assault while incorporating biblical references by or about Jesus (John 8:12, Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 11:28, John 1:4-5, Luke 2:11, John 14:27). The hope is that, amidst the division and suffering, a message of peace, justice, hope and reconciliation remains.