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[lilitalienboi16]

During the American Civil War, Longfellow's oldest son Charles Appleton Longfellow joined the Union cause as a soldier without his father's blessing. Longfellow was informed by a letter dated March 14, 1863, after Charles had left. "I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your leave but I cannot any longer," he wrote. "I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good".[2] Charles soon got an appointment as a lieutenant but, in November, he was severely wounded[3] in the Battle of New Hope Church (in Virginia) during the Mine Run Campaign. Coupled with the recent loss of his wife Frances, who died as a result of an accidental fire, Longfellow was inspired to write "Christmas Bells".

He first wrote the poem on Christmas Day in 1863.[4] "Christmas Bells" was first published in February 1865 in Our Young Folks, a juvenile magazine published by Ticknor and Fields.[5]

Lyrics:
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 thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of 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!

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 hearth-stones of a continent,

And made forlorn
The households born
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 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."

A musical interpretation by Casting Crowns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK8xB1opuQ8

I enjoy the song and the poem so I thought i'd share with you all.

God bless,
Alex

[cjwood]

i like the story behind the song reflected in the words.  especially these:

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 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."



thanks for sharing alex. 

claudia

[lilitalienboi16]

i like the story behind the song reflected in the words.  especially these:

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 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."



thanks for sharing alex. 

claudia

Hi Claudia! I'm very happy you enjoyed the song! I actually thought of you when I was sharing this on facebook because I remembered your comment on the "O come o come Emmanual" song that I had shared on Rhys page and how it made you think of the coming kingdom of God when all shall be set right.

And yes, Amen to the lyrics! Our God shall prevail! He is not mocked nor is He slacking concerning His promise!

Love to you,
Alex

[lilitalienboi16]

This has been a favorite of mine too. Thanks Alex and Claudia.

I thought I could post a sweet video of the Christmas story played out by some children from 'down under' here, if you don't mind.

Blessings one and all

https://www.youtube.com/embed/kWq60oyrHVQ?rel=0

Dear Janine,

That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing!! You are always welcome to share!

With love,
Alex

[jojoross]

Alex,

Thanks for the background story and song. Of peace on earth and good will to men! Its crazy. I was just reading this verse today and never really realized this verse a couple lines before:

Luke 2:10kjv-And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring to you tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE

I am so grateful to God for opening up my eyes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ-The SAVIOUR of ALL men. Thanks again Alex for the post!

God's peace,
Jordan

[lilitalienboi16]

Alex,

Thanks for the background story and song. Of peace on earth and good will to men! Its crazy. I was just reading this verse today and never really realized this verse a couple lines before:

Luke 2:10kjv-And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring to you tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE

I am so grateful to God for opening up my eyes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ-The SAVIOUR of ALL men. Thanks again Alex for the post!

God's peace,
Jordan

My pleasure Jordan and excellent find. I will be listening to this song for a long time coming! Many of the christian songs I have been listening to since I first heard them. It helps me meditate on God and get my mind straight.

God bless,
Alex

[jojoross]

Ya I totally feel you on that bruva!

God's peace,
Jordan