How do you feel about Peace on Earth?

Is there peace? Really? More personally, is there peace in your own heart? Let’s compare Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day with your holiday season and find true peace. We will have a fantastic journey together as we unwrap the Greatest Gift.

Over 150 years ago, Longfellow began his poem with beautiful lines about the Christmas bells and how they reminded him of peace on earth. Yet, his wife died tragically in a fire, he was seriously burned trying to save her, and he lost one child. He was caring for another son severely injured in a war his country was fighting against itself.

He begins joyfully as the church bells remind him of the Christ of Christmas. Soon, however, we feel the rage within as he suddenly gets gut honest: “‘… there is no peace on earth’, I said”.

Join me with pad and pencil in hand as we explore our own feelings this holiday season. Trust me, this will be good for us!

What blessings can you be thankful for?

#1 Let’s begin as Longfellow did by spending some time rejoicing over the holiday. Write about the joys of family (include some precious memories of those who aren’t with us this season). Surely you have a few minutes to write down your thanks for food, warmth of home, loved ones, and freedoms we still enjoy, including freedom to worship.

Uncover the trouble spots — in your world? in your home?

#2 Is there peace in your world? In your home? Be honest with your feelings; this exercise is just for you.  As you write about personal hurts and disappointments, your hand may grip the pen as you express frustration, anger, resentment. It’s okay–be honest. It often seems Longfellow is right, “… hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth …”.  We are bombarded on every side with injustice and cruelty; Christians are mocked and persecuted, innocent people are slaughtered right here in the USA. Even close friends and family can disappoint and disrupt plans.

Unwrap the joy.

#3 Oh, but stop a minute and bow your head! Reflect on the next stanza, “… then pealed the bells more loud and sweet, God is not dead nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail …”. Wow! What a glorious thought for this season. Let’s write down some praises. Let us be thankful He is with us! Thankful for that first gift … Jesus Christ, our Immanuel (means God is With Us). May we never forget.

When in a prison camp Corrie ten Boom’s sister told Corrie there was not pit so deep but which God was deeper still.

Personal tragedies will rage on as will wars and rumors of wars. But our Messiah, Jesus Christ, has promised in Revelation 21:5 “Behold, I make all things new.”

My husband and I will celebrate Christmas day together with a simple meal, nice nap, movie by the fireplace, and a warm bed to crawl into. For you I pray God’s peace and blessing as we all prepare for a great year ahead.

Hugs,

Follow this link for more of the story and the words to I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.