Song Credits: “I Heard the Bells” by Casting Crowns
“I Heard the Bells” was written in 1863 as a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Longfellow is honestly my favorite poet ever. His poems beautifully capture historical accounts or deep personal feelings in such a creative, memorable way.
Longfellow lost his second wife two years before writing this song. In 1863, his oldest son Charles joined the Union troops during the Civil War, leaving home without his father’s blessing. By November, Charles was wounded and no longer able to fight. So there’s no doubt that Longfellow was burdened with grief while writing these lyrics.
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play;
In music sweet the tones repeat,
“There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song
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 does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near
Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”
When men repent and turn from sin
The Prince of Peace then enters in,
And grace imparts within their hearts
His peace on earth, good will to men.
O souls amid earth’s busy strife,
The Word of God is light and life;
Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice,
Hail peace on earth, good will to men.
Then happy, singing on your way,
Your world will change from night to day;
Your heart will feel the message real,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
The imagery of peace in this song is so beautiful.
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught in the craziness of the holiday season. Trying to find the perfect gifts. Attending Christmas parties. Preparing family meals.
There’s nothing wrong with those things in and of themselves. The problem comes when we lose focus of the real meaning of Christmas.
My favorite words of this song are
O souls amid earth’s busy strife,
The Word of God is light and life;
Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice
So that’s the focus of today’s devotional. The key to finding peace in this busy time of year is taking the time to listen to God’s voice.
Peace on earth seems impossible. But we can all have peace within us and share that peace with others by taking time to hear God’s still and quiet voice.
Thanks so much for reading.
Until tomorrow,
RaeAnn
Live So Fully 