Peace by Matt Griepentrog

Staff, December 12, 2020

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ~Luke 2:14

Today we’re going to look at something super exciting: Civil War Poetry! I know you’re tempted to stop reading right now but stay with me here! Because this poem is the basis for a Christmas hymn that should definitely be bumped up towards the top of your playlist this year. I’m talking about “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.”

It was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas day in 1863. His wife had recently died in an accidental fire, and his son volunteered to fight in the war, and was left wounded. It was with that personal backdrop, not to mention the historical backdrop of the throes of the Civil War, that his poem was written.

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 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."

God of peace, may the bells of Christmas remind us of your angel’s message: Peace on earth. Amen.