"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" is one of the most beloved and reflective Christmas carols, known for its poignant message of peace and its beautiful melody. Its history involves two distinct creators whose works were later brought together. Here's the story: 1. **The Author: Edmund Hamilton Sears (1849)** * **Who he was:** Edmund Hamilton Sears (1810-1876) was a Unitarian minister from Wayland, Massachusetts. He was a thoughtful theologian and poet. * **When and Why:** Sears wrote the poem in **1849**. It was a time of significant social and political unrest, both in the United States and globally. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) had recently concluded, leaving a shadow over the nation. Sears was deeply affected by the conflicts, the revolutions in Europe, and the general clamor and greed he observed in society. * **The Message:** Instead of a purely celebratory Christmas text, Sears's poem is a profound reflection on the contrast between the angelic message of "Peace on Earth, good will to men" and the harsh reality of human strife and suffering. He longs for a day when humanity will truly heed the angels' song and lay down its burdens and conflicts. The original poem had five stanzas, with the third and fourth stanzas being particularly critical of human failings and a call for justice. * **Original Publication:** The poem was first published in *The Christian Register*, a Unitarian journal, shortly before Christmas in 1849. 2. **The Composer: Richard Storrs Willis (1850)** * **Who he was:** Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900) was an American composer, critic, and editor. He studied music in Germany under Felix Mendelssohn. * **The Tune:** Willis composed the tune, often simply called **"CAROL,"** in **1850**. Importantly, he did *not* compose it specifically for Sears's poem. It was originally written for a separate set of lyrics or as a general melody. 3. **The Unlikely Pairing (1874)** * **Coming Together:** The poem and the tune were famously paired in **1874** by **Uzziah Burnap**, who compiled a collection of carols called *The Sabbath-School Hosanna*. Burnap, recognizing the beauty and suitability of Willis's melody, placed it with Sears's powerful words. This combination was an instant success. * **Alternative Tunes:** While "CAROL" is the most widely recognized tune, Sears's poem has also been set to other melodies, such as "NOEL" (by Arthur Sullivan) or "SEARS" (by John B. Dykes), but Willis's "CAROL" remains the definitive version for most. **Why It Endures:** "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" resonates deeply because its message is timeless. It captures the essence of the Christmas story – the promise of peace and goodwill – while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles and divisions in the world. It serves as both a comfort and a quiet challenge, urging listeners to work towards the peace that the angels heralded. Its gentle, flowing melody perfectly complements the thoughtful and hopeful message of the lyrics.