Songs of Christmas

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861.  The Civil War broke out that same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment.  Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to  hear that his own son had been killed on Christmas Day.

He stood in his doorway contemplating what life was all about after receiving the telegram.  Why had such sorrow had come to him especially on the birth date of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Then he heard the church bells, they spoke to him as he stood and listened.  Later that day he wrote these words.

       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 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 an deep,
       God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.
       The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
       With peace on earth, good will to men.

At this Christmas time whether you are in sorrow or in joy you can know that God is not dead, nor does he sleep.  He knows your every need and longs to comfort you and be that special friend you need.  Seek Him.  He will give life real meaning and your heart real peace.  The peace that passes all understanding. 

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14

Oliver Wendell Holmes put it this way ---- What’s important is not necessarily  where you are, but in what direction you are going.