Can I just start out by stressing that these are Christmas Songs not Holiday songs, etc. etc.
I just like to say the word Christmas as much as possible since some folks would like to rewrite history on that topic...
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow has to be my favorite.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiear carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
This song was originally a poem Longfellow wrote during the Civil War when times were very difficult for our nation. There are two stanzas that are left out of the song version that deal specifically with the war and slavery. The remaining stanzas are switched in order for the song also.
And in despaire 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 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!"
8 comments:
That last verse always leaves me feeling upbeat and optimistic. I love it!
I've always loved this song!
An older gentleman that used to play the organ in our Sacrament mettings would always use the bells function during the month of December, especially when playing this hymn. It was beautiful. At his funeral earlier this year they played the bells during the closing song.
I had never heard this song when I was younger. It is one of my husbands favorites though, so I have learned to love it as well!
I do love the message of this song. So comforting!
We have the same fav. song! tOO FUNNY! I liked yours better ;)
I get the chills everytime we sing the last verse. SO GOOD!
I never heard of that song before! Did that dude who wrote it, is he related to you?
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