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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

One of the joys of the holiday season is hearing beloved Christmas carols. The melodies and strains alone can stir the heart and move us with emotion. At times, however, when the busyness of the season consumes us, we can become deaf to the message these songs proclaim. The following carol provides an opportunity to reflect on what God has done for us this Christmas season. May your prayer be: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

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

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song,
Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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