“Tis the season to be jolly…” is heard in the malls, on street corners, and through radio waves. Everyone seems to know that this is a joyful time of year. But, the reality of life isn’t always as simple as a song or a spoken platitude.
The truth is many people are hurting. Husbands and wives are separated by war. Families are struggling to stay together. Money troubles cause grief and frustration. Fear controls the hearts of many. Hospital beds are filled with patients. Death comes and sadness surrounds many. Terrible deeds are committed daily.
Where is the peace on earth? With all the tragedy around us, how do we find joy? How do we celebrate peace?
When Longfellow wrote this poem, the American Civil War had thrown many into despair. Families were torn apart, loved ones were crippled or dead. The world seemed to be coming to an end. We are not so very different. I hear people so saddened by world events that hope seems a far away memory. Many would rather dwell on the past than seek ways to live in the present.
When all seems loss, remember that God is still God. Evil may prosper for a time, sadness may overwhelm us, but His peace is always available. That peace came in the form of a baby 2000 years ago.
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men
And the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (Peace on Earth)
In my heart I hear them
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
But the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth)
Does anybody hear them?
Peace on earth, good will to men
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep (Peace on Earth, peace on Earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
Then 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 the bells they’re ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (Peace on Earth)
And with our hearts we’ll hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men
Do you hear the bells they’re ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The life the angels singing (Peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, Peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men
Do you hear the bells ringing out? Do you hear the call for peace on earth? Have you accepted it? Are you extending it to others?
~ Regina