Bells on Christmas Day
“He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:3-4
Dear Friends,
It’s a BUSY 6 days ahead of us – the rush to Christmas is happening quick! In 48 hours we’ll be hosting the 18th Annual Laser Light Spectacular – shows at 6p & 7:30p on Friday and 5p & 6:30p on Saturday. Then we have the 4th Sunday of Advent, worshipping at 8:30a and 11a, lighting the Candle of Peace, with the Chancel Choir at both and a brunch in between in the Fellowship Hall. And then, we have Christmas Eve – services at 7p and 10p – with amazing music, a Christmas message and closing with a carol sing. Busy but spectacular!
This Sunday as our closing song, we’re going to sing one of those songs with a melancholy tune but a phenomenal message, as well as backstory. Writer Henry Wadworth Longfellow was nursing his wounded son Charley back to health on Christmas Day, 1963, following an injury at the Battle of New Hope. I’ve held my children in my arms before, in various states of medical distress, and there are very few things more agonizing. Add to it the noise of a world coming a part at the seems, and you can understand, “‘There is no peace on earth’ I said, ‘For hate is strong and marks the song Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.’”
But just like the best of the psalms, there is a natural movement toward God and God’s deep truth in the midst of our pain in the carol that is worth singing, reading and re-reading. So in the midst of our busyness, I offer up to you, the original poem, of which we’ll sing the carol Sunday, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. May you find the Peace of Christ today and throughout this season!
Christmas Bells – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn The households born 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.”
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus – One Word, one Ring of Peace at a time,
Pastor Don