# Song of the Innocents explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A joyful poem celebrating the protection and guidance of Jesus Christ over innocent children, who are watched over by angels to keep them safe on their journey home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

The poem centers on the innocence of children, who are tenderly cared for by angels and guided by Jesus.

### Redemption and Grace

Jesus's coming down and the angels' protective care reflect divine grace and the promise of being led home.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ has come down to see the children and is the guide they follow home.

### Angels

Angels are set waiting to tend to the children, preventing them from stumbling and breaking bones.

## Key lines

> Merry, merry we well may be, For Jesus Christ is come down to see

We have every reason to be joyful because Jesus Christ has descended to visit us.

_The opening lines express the joy of Christ's presence among the children._

> He set our angels a waiting there, Waiting hither and thither to fly, Tending the children of the sky, Lest they dash little feet against big stones, And tumble down and break little bones

He stationed angels to watch over us, ready to fly in any direction to protect the heavenly children from hurting their feet on stones or falling and breaking bones.

_Describes the protective role of angels in safeguarding the children from physical harm._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/song-of-the-innocents
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters