I Heard the Bells -

I love this song. I've always thought it very beautiful, but this year, when much sorrow is so close to Christmas, I've found I can't stop listening to it. I thought you all might like a listen as well. So I took pictures of almost all the bells on our Christmas tree, added a little ringing of one ... and put the song in it. I'll put the lyrics up, so you can start the song, and then scroll through the lyrics. :)

My favorite part is after the "sorrow", when the rejoicing kicks in. "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!"! This is what we proclaim, for Christ came to earth to be Emmanuel, God with us! To be Savior, to be King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He has overcome all this, and reigns forever - the bells ... pealing more loud and deep with the rejoicing that comes through the depths of sorrow and rises triumphant with shining eyes and face to greet the Lord! Amen! He is here, with us, indwelling, and when we leave this world, we shall spend forever with Him - And so we shall always be with the Lord. Always.

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Words written by: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"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 roll'd along th' 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.

In despair I bow'd 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!"

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"The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who HOPE in His mercy."

~ Psalm 147:11 ~

With much, much love,

~ Jean Marie ~