Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”
For some, rather than being a time of joy, Christmas can be a depressing reminder of deep loss of a family member or a dear friend. This time of year our family recalls a deep loss four years ago of a dear family friend whose absence is still felt in a profound way. I am reminded how many years passed before the ache of missing my mother became more bearable, especially when preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for our family.
One story of profound loss that deeply touched me years ago is this one about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The story, “I Heard the Bells,” has finally been brought to the big screen. Here is a short synopsis:
“On Christmas day, 1864, the beloved poet received word that his son, a soldier in the Civil War, had been wounded. Just two years before, Henry had lost his wife in a fire. As this devout Christian man sat alone with his grief and worry, on the most joyful of Holy Days, he penned words of hope to challenge his own despair. He called his composition “Christmas Bells.” Little did he know that those words would someday be set to music and become a blessing to millions of people around the world.”
This song, known to the world as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” has been a blessing to generations through the decades, especially during times the world has been at war, when life for millions was so uncertain. Even today, with our world in turmoil, violence going unchecked, and hate for our fellowman abounding, these words hold truth, “For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men.” We must never cling to hate or mock the promise Christ brings. Jesus is our Prince of Peace!
Heavenly Father, we ask that you would heal the hearts of many who are suffering with a sense of fear and loss this Christmas. Fill them with Your presence, grace and peace that only You can provide this Christmas season. Forgive us when we have forsaken the command to love one another. Forgive us when we have mocked the peace that comes through your Son, Jesus. May we forsake all hatred and mockery and demonstrate our devotion to You by loving others and embracing Your peace, not just at Christmas. Thank you, Lord, for Jesus, our Prince of Peace, in whose name we pray. Amen.
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men.
Painting by Hall Groat II
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