I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

December 17, 2023
Devotional by: Linda Sky

When I think of Advent, I think of Christmas hymns. This one reminds me of my grandmother who introduced it to me. It is one we don’t sing very often during the Christmas season. I like the melody. I think that has something to do with why I like it.

There are three verses I will point out.

1) I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had peace on earth everywhere? When I hear bells, they make me want to twirl around like there is nothing wrong anywhere.

Then we come to the third verse:

3) 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, goodwill to men.”

This verse makes me think of the world today in the Middle East and in the Russia/Ukraine area where war is going on and people are leaving their homes trying to find better places to live in order to save their lives. Can they find peace? Can they make new lives for themselves? We can only pray they do.

4) 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, goodwill to men.

We don’t know exactly when the right will come about, but this is our assurance from God that it will. We all look forward to the day when there is peace on earth and all people will respect each other.