Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
Longfellow’s Christmas Bells
On Christmas day 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem “Christmas Bells.” After hearing the sound of bells 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!
This Christmas, however, was not a merry one for Longfellow. Two years earlier his wife died tragically when her dress caught fire. Longfellow was so overcome with grief that he feared he would end up in an asylum. Then just a few weeks before Christmas 1863 he received word that his oldest son had been severely wounded during the Battle of Mine Run. Doctors were not sure if his son would end up paralyzed or not. In light of all that, it is easy to see how Longfellow’s poem could take a more cynical turn from that verse. In the second to last verse he states:
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!”
Between his personal tragedies and the fact that his country was at war with itself, “peace on earth, goodwill to men” didn’t sound possible. But then . . . Christmas. Longfellow worshipped a God who was not far away and detached. The God who gave us Christmas “so loved the world. . .” His God is alive and brings hope to the hopeless. This brings us to the wonderful closing verse.
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.”
Life can be difficult. Circumstances may not go as planned, war may surround us, but because of that babe born in Bethlehem you always have hope.
And later this poem was put to song. Merry Christmas!
Published in General
Vance,
Astoundingly beautiful. Thanks for posting this.
Regards,
Jim
A few years ago, Kim Komando posted a video of her little boy, Ian, reciting that poem. It was wonderful. I’m nearly certain she has taken it down, but it was quite inspiring.
Visit Komando.com if you are not familiar with Kim Komando, nicknamed “digital goddess”.
Thank you for the back story Vance. I did not know.
The year Casting Crowns came out with this version I saw them in concert. CC sent ahead for local quires for all the places they had shows.
They found angels here in St. louis that year. When the quire part came.
Tears,goose bumps and awe. I was undone in a wonderful way.
Kevin,
I’m sorry but I wasn’t aware of Casting Crowns at all.
They are incredibly talented.
Regards,
Jim
That is an inspiring story. Thank you. There’s a similar story of unimaginable tragedy behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”:
This version with Edward Herrmann and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir tells the story. Herrmann’s genuine enthusiasm is absolutely astounding.
God knows what is like to be us.
Since I read this on the member feed, this music keeps ringing in my head. Thanks, man.
The Simon Sisters, Carly and Lucy do a great job on this, from their album Songs for Children.
The link disappeared, try again, if it doesn’t work it’s easy to find on You Tube.