Hearing the Bells

"The greatest gift you will ever receive will never be found under a Christmas tree. It is far too valuable to be stored in any other place but in the depths of your heart." ~Anonymous

I recently heard the story behind an old Christmas carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. I'm constantly amazed at how learning the context in which something was created changes your perspective. (Remember the blog about Agora?)

The song is actually a poem, written by Henry Wordsworth Longfellow. It was written during the midst of the civil war, after the tragic death of his wife and shortly after learning that his son, a soldier, had been injured in battle.

The simple words remind us that even in the most chaotic, difficult times, God is there and offers peace. Talk about a Christmas gift.

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.

And 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.

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.

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.”