Peace On Earth

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!” (Luke 2:14)

This week we watched the Mormon Tabernacle choir Christmas program on a PBS station. It was not as "traditional" as I expected, but nevertheless a good program. Featured during the program was the telling of the story of the song, "I heard the bells on Christmas Day," which was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I was almost brought to tears as I listened to stories from Longfellow's life, many of which were filled with tragedy and sadness. Longfellow wrote the words to this song at the close of the Civil War. In addition to the sad events in his life, Longfellow fell victim to some events of the war. Its no wonder that he became bitter at one point, which the words of the song he wrote indicate. But he also found a way to conclude the poem on a positive note. I quote here all seven verses of the song, and if you know the tune I invite you to sing this song and note the emphasis on the words, "peace on earth." One wonders what a peaceful world would be like. Perhaps all those who "have his good will," will know some day.

"Christmas Bells"
(The original poem, complete with all seven stanzas)

"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!"

Pilgrim on the way