It's December!
I absolutely love this time of year. I love the cold weather, the lights decorating houses, spending time with family, and the warmth this season brings.
I've decided for the entire month of December I'm going to write a blog post everyday!
For my first blog in December, I want to keep it centered on the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ and share with you my favourite Christmas Hymn.
I heard the Bells on Christmas Day
This hymn was inspired Henry Longfellow's poem Chrristmas Bells.
Longfellow wrote this poem while he was caring for his wounded son.
In the book, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Lloyd and Karmel Newell they write:
"At a time when Henry needed to feel heaven's peace, he listened for and heard the bells of Christmas. No Matter how bleak the winter, no matter how deep the sorrow, the bells of Christmas still rang with promise of hope and peace and life eternal. Putting pen to paper, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 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.
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,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then from each black, accursed mouth
the cannon thundered in the South,
and with the sound the carols drowned
of peace on earth, good will to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent
the hearthstones of continent,
and made forlorn, the households born
of peace on earth, good will to men.
The 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.
Till, 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!
I love the message this poem/hymn brings, that no matter how hard life gets, no matter if we feel completely alone, or we feel we simply can't go on. That is when the bells ring louder. In those moments we can feel with more assurance the love of our Heavenly Father and his plan for us. I love the words and in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said. . . . . then pealed the bells more loud and deep god is not dead nor doth he sleep! We are never alone. Heavenly Father is always just a prayer away. I know if we turn to our Heavenly Father we will feel his loving arm surround us.
I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and watches over me. I know I have a Saviour and older brother, Jesus Christ, who died for me. I know that will help of the Holy Ghost I can find comfort and strength. I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.
I hope we all have a great Christmas and that we remember the true meaning of Christmas.
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