I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

          I love Christmas music! I love the reminders of truth that have been put to music. The music helps me remember the words… which prompts me to reflect on the promises God gives in His Word.

          There is one song that has been playing over and over in my mind for the past couple of weeks – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. I have always loved this song but some of the words have a deeper meaning to me this year. And as I think about the events that just happened in Connecticut, I think this song could have just been penned.

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."

          Sometimes I really understand the words to this verse. When things are going all wrong and evil seems to be winning it becomes easy to think that hate will overcome and there really won’t be any peace.

          But then I remember the names of God: Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the Prince of Peace – and my favorite, Emmanuel = God with us. And I think the author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, got this next part right!! God is not dead and He does not sleep! That truth can make you sit up a little straighter and breathe a lot easier!!

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."