Written in December 1629 when John Milton (1608-74) was still in his early twenties, ‘On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity’ is about – well, the title says it all, really: the Nativity, or birth of Jesus Christ. As Christmas approaches, this long religious poem is the perfect way to get yourself into the festive mood.
On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity
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.