Testimony Tuesday – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the Peace of God
Are you longing for real peace?
An angel proclaimed the birth of Christ to shepherds in Luke chapter 2. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lost his beloved wife to a fire. Three years later, his son was wounded in the Civil War. He discovered peace and penned the words to my favorite Christmas carol.
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 the 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 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!
Well we at Crown wish you and your loved ones a Christmas filled with peace…the peace that passes all understanding. I also hope you’ll support this radio station. They bring programming like ours to help you grow in Christ. Please give to this station first, then consider Crown’s Matching Challenge going on now through December 31. Every gift you make will be doubled in impact. Give today at crown.org.