I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

“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!” 

These words from the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, adapted from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, remind us of the message the angel proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” 

However, when we look out at the world today, we are often tempted to echo Longfellow’s own despairing 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, good will to men.’” 

In this season of Advent, we look back to the past—to the coming of Jesus as an infant in Bethlehem, when the angels announced peace and good-will to the shepherds. Advent is also a time to look forward to the promised future coming of Jesus, when “God will wipe away every tear… and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 

But beyond the past and the future, Advent is also about the present—the coming of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, into our lives, communities, and nations in the here and now. Though it is sometimes difficult to see, as the carol proclaims: 

“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.’” 

Our hope is not rooted solely in the past, nor only in the promised future, but also in recognition of God’s presence in this moment—in the day-to-day coming of the Spirit into our lives and our world.

Reflect on God's Word

Ultimately, God will create a new heaven and new earth where sorrow, death, and pain are no more, and He dwells with His people, making all things new. In Advent, we are reminded to look to the past, present, and future -- and live accordingly with faith.

Revelation 21:1 - 5 (CEB)

Take A Moment to Pray

Lord, help us to see, amid the problems of the present, that You are still at work in our lives and in our world. Help us to know that You are not dead, nor are You asleep. Help us to live as You would have us live, living out the hope and promise of this Advent season, remembering the past, living in the present, and anticipating the future. And help us to join You in bending the arc of the universe toward peace and good-will towards all people.

Learn About the Story Behind the Carol

Many people know the carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, but few know the story behind it. Grief, disillusionment, and hopelessness filled the heart and mind of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Although he had achieved much acclaim for his writings -- the tragic death of his wife, the grave wounds of his son, and the bloody Civil War had darkened his days. Then he heard the bells of a nearby church ringing in celebration of the Christmas season, and his heart was lifted. Listen to this great story as told by Dr. Robert Morgan.