I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Christ offers peace. I love this message from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in 1863, at a time when he had much to mourn, but found hope through God's promise of peace. Enjoy this new, vibrant tune, sung by the soloist, while the choir plays the part of the bells. Thanks to Andrew J and Jim Mohlman for singing the solo parts in the video below.

~Rachel

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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.

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.

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!