A Merry Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everybody! Enjoying the old Hymnal this morning and the Christmas song that wins the prize this year is brought to us by Henry Longfellow. Years ago, Ben performed this song for special music at church, much like this Pedro the Lion rendition. He’s always been drawn to darker songs, though it often takes me longer to catch up on the lyrics. 😛

Thanks for this one, Henry.

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY – 1865

I heard the bells on Christmas day, Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the tones 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.

(These next three stanzas were Henry’s original, but the hymnal version of the song omitted them. They shed light onto life during the Civil war and for Henry the loss of his son)

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 does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near* Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

*Then these last three stanzas were not from Henry or my 1965 Hymnal, but from an online lyric search they came up. I kinda like them.

When men repent and turn from sin The Prince of Peace then enters in,
And grace imparts within their hearts His peace on earth, good will to men.

O souls amid earth’s busy strife, The Word of God is light and life;
Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice, Hail peace on earth, good will to men.

Then happy, singing on your way, Your world will change from night to day;
Your heart will feel the message real, Of peace on earth, good will to men.

*the wrong shall fail the right prevail, as the original words

(History info from https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/christmas-bells.htm)

Merry Christmas! 😀