It’s no secret that I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, a poem written during the Civil War by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, is my favorite Christmas carol.
The history and background of the poem/song can be found all over the internet, but there is a nice description here.
In light of current events and the climate in the US, and around the world today, the words to this poem still resonate strongly.
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!
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,…”
True words written by a man who knew true sorrow.
I offer you words of HOPE this Christmas.
God is not dead.
[…] The Story Behind Makes the Song So Good […]
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