The current times of turmoil, hatred, and unrest are not new to the world. Perhaps, for those young in years, it may be their first experience with trials; however, for those of us who are older, trials, political unrest & turmoil are not new experiences. The Bible tells us when God wanted to speak, He would often use the expressions, “HEAR!” or “GIVE HEED!” Such initial pronouncements by God, set the stage for the people to be especially alert, tuning their ears- Harkening– to God’s words.
Today, I would like for you to listen, to harken, if you will, to one of my favorite Christmas Carols. It is my hope that it may become one of your favorites, too.
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, expresses for me (and most probably did for him) the HOPE we have in The Christmas Gift, Jesus Christ, birthed into this world so long ago in Bethlehem, and who lives today.
Longfellow was a professor of literature at Harvard University. In 1861 his wife died in a freak accident when her dress caught on fire. That same year the Civil War erupted tearing the nation apart. Longfellow’s son, Charles, joined the army and was shot in 1863. The Father joined his son and stayed at his bedside, nursing him to recovery and health.
But, during these times, Longfellow must have felt deserted by God and alone. His heart was surely heavy. His world, externally and at home, had fallen apart. Despair must have often found its way to Longfellow’s doorstep as he thought of his and the tribulations of others.
Yet, it was on an early Christmas morn of December 25th, that Wadsworth heard faint Christmas bells ringing in the distance. Suddenly, he was inspired by The Holy Spirit, to think about God and His Love as shown through the birth of Christ. Longfellow realized, at that moment, that “God had not left him, nor his nation alone. God was not dead, nor did He sleep!
LISTEN to some of the words:
…. 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
Dear reader, have you ever felt this way? Have you, too, thought that God had/has deserted you and the world around you? Perhaps the 4th verse will bring you Hope as you read its words:
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!
I encourage you to listen to the music of this song, written by J. Baptiste Calkin, as well as the beautiful words and feel your heart and mind renewed and refreshed!
And Remember, as the 5th verse speaks:
… the world revolves from night to day, a voice…. a chime…. a chant sublime…. Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
To whom/what are you listening, today? What is your soul hearing? Most of all, to whom is your Soul hearkening?
The gift of Christ or the Turmoil of the world?
Diane Stevens, 2020