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Who said there is no peace
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Who said there is no peace
One of my favorite Christmas carols, I heard The Bells, was written in 1864 by famed poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As you think of the song’s words, you may wonder why he shifted from his joy in hearing the town bells playing to a very despairing mood and said: “There is no peace on earth, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Most people are unaware that there were two more stanzas to this song that we do not sing. In these verses Longfellow speaks of the horrors of the American Civil War which at the time was tearing his beloved country apart. In fact, his own son had been seriously wounded in the war. However, he concluded his song with affirming faith, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!"
What basis is there for such faith? As long as there is the God in heaven, the God who created this world, who is all powerful and ever lives, there is hope for sinful nations and sinful people. This same God is the Father who sent His Son to be born in Bethlehem and to die on a cross in Jerusalem. This babe we celebrate is the Son of God who arose from the grave and sits on His heavenly throne beside the Father. This peace of which Longfellow wrote, only comes to those who by faith believe on this Savior, who is indeed the Prince of Peace.
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I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
“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 doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Listen to all-Christian Christmas music in December! |
Written By:
Shannon Dyess
Date Posted:
12/21/2017 11:19 AM
Number of Views:
4242
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