Nature

Nature, in addition to being personified as a character within the poem, also represents the reaction of the surrounding world to Christ. At first, Nature draws away, fearful of being unworthy of salvation, but then comes to joyfully accept the presence of Christ.

Light

Light represents understanding. It is presented as a symbol of Christ, who himself was meant to bring illumination to the people of the world. It is also used to symbolize the distinction between night and day, which both have complex and uncertain symbolic roles in the poem.

Winter

Winter symbolizes purity. The poem grapples with the fact that Christ was born in winter, instead of in the more apparently joyful summer season. However, the poem finds justification in the fact that the white array of winter snow is appropriate for such a moment of purity and peace.

The Ocean

The ocean represents...