How often have you heard a song that touched your heart and wondered about the story behind the lyrics? For the last month, I’ve had the Christmas station tuned in my car and home. There are so many memories attached to some of the old classics that take me back to my childhood. It’s bittersweet. Partly because my parents and brother are no longer with us, and those memories are most often attached to them. Partly because it seems as if life was simpler and more innocent back then. Or maybe I was simpler and more innocent, unaware of the strife and evil that prevails in this world.
There is one Christmas song that touches a deep part of my heart now that I’m no longer that naïve child, and I never gave the origin of the lyrics much thought. I’m writing this blog post in the wee hours of the morning, because I couldn’t sleep. It’s sometimes difficult to rest when there is so much unrest happening around us. A country that is more divided than ever, a virus that continues to devastate lives, and the feeling of hopelessness that hits in the darkness of the night.
As I laid in bed and listened to the wind chimes outside, “I heard the Bells on Christmas on Day” played on my mind. Do you know who wrote the lyrics? As a former English teacher, I’m embarrassed to admit that I no idea Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the author. The words were born out of a deep need to be reminded that God’s love and righteousness will prevail even in the midst of bleak despair.
And he felt such despair.
Longfellow wrote this poem on December 25, 1863—during the Civil War. His wife had died only a couple years before when her dress caught fire. He’d been badly burned himself in his attempt to save her. He was left with five children to raise (he had six, but one died in infancy.) His eldest, Charley, went off to join the Union Army in March of that year. At the end of November, Longfellow received news that his son was seriously wounded and may not recover.
Longfellow, then a 57-year-old widow with five children to raise and a son wounded in an horrific war, felt nothing but despair as the church bells rang in Cambridge, where he resided. People were singing of peace on Earth, “but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook.” (The Gospel Coalition)
When I look at the world today, I have to remember that there have been atrocities and horrors in our past. This is nothing new. Maybe we’re nearing the end; maybe we’re not. I do know that the Lord reigns, and He always will. That’s what we need to cling to when everything else seems to be slipping away. His plan. His glory. Our salvation.
Remember that as you read Longfellow’s original poem below. It was put to music by John Baptiste Calkin in 1872. If you’ve ever listened to this song, you know it’s much shorter than Longfellow’s creation. Several musical artists have recorded this classic, but I’m including Casting Crown’s rendition for you. I pray it will encourage and inspire you, no matter the circumstances in your life.
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 thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will 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, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
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.”
Comments 4
I just wrote a blog on that poem and history, too. Others in my Sunday School class also recently commented on the story. It seems the Lord is drawing our attention to those events and responses and that’s good. Have a blessed 2022 and beyond!
Author
Isn’t it amazing how He works in the body? I pray your 2022 is blessed, as well.
I have always loved this Christmas carol!
A few years ago, I read Jennifer Chiaverini’s novel, Christmas Bells, in which one story line is a fictional account of Longfellow and his family, and his inspiration for the poem. I highly recommend it–if you have not read it.
I also loved the Casting Crown video.
Author
Thank you for sharing. Martha I will be sure look up the book!