Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Comfort at Christmas

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out that same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to hear the his own son had been seriously wounded as a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac.Sitting down to his desk, one Christmas Day, he heard the church bells ringing, and ringing. It was in this setting he wrote:

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 Ibowed 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.

At this Christmas time whether you are in sorrow or in joy you can know that God is not dead, not doth he sleep. He knows your every need and longs to comfort you and be that special friend you need. Seek Him this year instead of the outward manifestations of the season. He will give life real meaning and your heart real peace, the peace that passes all understanding.

The above is from Pastor Tim's website

8 comments:

Susie said...

Beautiful message Bev!
Merry Christmas...

srp said...

What a wonderful message. Always timely. And what faith our forefathers had. Oh that we should strive to have faith that strong.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful wonderful inspiration message.

Just awesome.

AC said...

As always, Beverly, you know just what to say. Thank you for the best Christmas message.

TJ said...

thanks for this post...I needed it today!!
:-D

Karen Townsend said...

Very nice message. Comforting tone and words.

kenju said...

A wonderful message, Beverly. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Anonymous said...

What a coincidence. I am listening to Sarah McLachlan sing "I Heard the Bells" as I read this. I had no idea that it was a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This Christmas song often brings tears to my eyes. Now that I know a little more of its history it is even more beautiful.