A look through my eyes

The Bells of Christmas

I have just finished reading a wonderful account of the story behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "The Bells of Christmas".  Although I was familiar with the hymn, I was deeply touched by the poem this time as I read about the tragedies Longfellow experienced.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the entire poem and story, I will put them here for you to enjoy and encourage you to do a bit of research yourself.

The poem was written as Longfellow grieved the death of his beloved Fannie (Frances Appleton), who was badly burned when her dress caught fire, while attempting to preserve locks of her daughter's hair with candle wax.  In addition to the tragic loss of his wife, his oldest son Charles had been severly injured in the Civil war, which was still raging.  Life seemed bleak and without hope. 

But inspite of the circumstances, God's love reached through and reminded Longfellow of His presence.  It is the same message He continues to speak today.  May you find joy and peace as you read the words (and perhaps hear the tune) of this wonderful poem, and may God be forever glorifeid.

The Bells of Christmas by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Chirstmas 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 rolld along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will toward 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 heart-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 erath," I said,

"For hate is tstrong 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."