I am a lover of all sorts of music (old and new, different styles), but I especially enjoy listening to tried and true musical arrangements and researching the stories behind them. When you are going through hard times at Christmas, it brings much comfort for Christmas to listen to hymns of old. The messages found in them are of hope, despite the hard times.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
My very favorite arrangement of this Christmas classic was recorded by Casting Crowns. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do every year. Press play and listen as you keep reading along.
It has become an even more precious favorite since I've read the story behind the lyrics. Never have the words of a song been more true and appropriate ...
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!"
What Longfellow lamented in the midst of the Civil War, we could truthfully repeat in light of the conflict and hatred of our own century and the divisions and hardships we've seen in the last decade.
Fortunately, the song does not end on such a dark and depressing note. Longfellow went on to rejoice ...
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-well to men."
May we remember the promise of these words. When we hear news of unrest, terrorism, pandemic, uncertainty, or destruction, remember that God is not dead! When we are struggling with personal circumstances that leave us discouraged and depressed, never forget that our God does not sleep.
Let the hope of this promise saturate your thoughts and heart and bring you comfort for Christmas as you celebrate this year and every year.
