I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day: Christmas Series Part 18

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a song on Christmas Day during a tumultuous time in American history—during the height of the Civil War. We, too, like Longfellow, live in a time of great challenge and can also attest to the fact that hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

But, like Longfellow, we can take courage: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. Truly, we can rest assured that in accordance to the Word of God, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863)

As you walk closely with the Child of Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ, He will lead you through this fallen world as a light shining in a dark place. Don’t be afraid; He will be with you wherever you go and will manifest through you the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

Indeed, because of your connection to the Lord, you are part of a great restraining force that has not yet left the earth. Let Him use you in the days ahead to pray for and to reach out in kindness, truth, and grace to a lost and hurting world. He will lead you; just trust Him and follow.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Hold your head high this Christmas Day. Your God is alive and well, and your Redeemer lives!

Dorothy

© 2015, Dorothy Frick

To learn more about the circumstances surrounding the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which prompted the writing of this poignant carol, see the following article at the Christian Post.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day-111313/