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You bring the Hymnal, I'll bring the History
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It seems that out of grief and tragedy authors are stirred to greater heights. This is also true of one of America's greatest poets, Henry W. Longfellow. In 1861, Longfellow's beloved wife was burned to death in a fire. This was also the year that the American Civil War began. In 1864, as he watched the war bring hatred into the lives of so many he penned a poem that we now sing during the Christmas season, "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day." A simple message of hope written during a very stormy time in America's history. Stanza four draws the entire hymn together; God is in control and peace will return to His earth.

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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.

I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along th' unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"Hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."

Yet, 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."

Then 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!

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