This Christmas carol has a lot of sadness attached to it, but it was written in an attempt to bring hope to the rest of the world at a time when everyone was so divided.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet, writes from the depth of his deepest despair to bring us the poem that became a beloved Christmas carol.
At this time in his life, he faced the loss of his wife of 18 years to a tragic fire, and the loss of his son as his son took up arms for the Union during the Civil War against his father’s wishes. While his son survived, he was severely injured during the Battle of New Hope Church in Virginia during the Mine Run Campaign in December of 1863.
As Mr. Longfellow embraced his sorrow and watched the country become torn from the bitter fight between the states, he sat down and wrote about his feelings.
His poem Christmas Bells speaks of the sadness that he felt whenever he heard the sounds of the bells chiming. Since there was no peace between men, they reminded him that the land was divided. He said that the hate was strong and mocked the song of peace on earth and goodwill to men. Luke 2:14
In conclusion, he decided that the sound of the bells may bring hope for peace among men.
Mr. Longfellow wrote this poem on Christmas Day in 1863 right after the Mine Run Campaign. It was first published in 1865 and included the verses regarding the Civil War that we normally do not sing when we sing this song. Here is the original poem:
Christmas Bells
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 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!
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 doth He sleep;
- The Wrong shall fail,
- The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
The poem got its music in 1872 and was titled I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It has had a couple musical accompaniments attached to it over the years, but the one most commonly heard is the one from 1956 when Johnny Marks of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer gave us the version that Bing Crosby and others recorded.
While we normally hear the version by Marks, the original from 1848, the Calkin version, is still sung by more traditional singers like Johnny Cash or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Here are the lyrics that we sing today:
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
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 it's way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
I SO miss this lovely voice and have for many years. May her voice bring you joy.
As we head into the final weeks of the countdown, don’t forget that handmade sells fast, so if you see something you want for your stocking or want to give as a gift, now is the time to grab it.
Fused Dichroic Glass Cufflinks
Black and White Potholders or Hot Pad Set of 2
Adjustable Shambala Style Crystal Black Bracelet
Hand Knit Marvelous Marble Black and White Super Scrubby
Reusable Grocery Bags
Owl Wood Wall Hanging Portrait Handmade From Oak Or Birch
30 Days of Horses ACEO 2
Black and White Necklace and Earrings Set
Magic Show Favor Tags with Boy Magician, Personalized
North Star Handmade Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant with Cubic Zirconia
Glossy Black Handmade Lampwork Beads
Black Onyx Diagonal Frame Earrings
Treble Clef Leather Cord Choker
Chainmail Bracelet, Unisex Jewelry, Diamond Shape
Black Clip on Earrings
Bat Mitzvah Kippah Womans Kippah Kippot Yarmulke Women Chapel Cap
Black and White Giclee Print from Original Painting
Jumping Horse Statue Canvas Print
Crochet MaryJanes w Flower Motif Merino Wool Infant 6 9 mo
Halloween Ivory Skull and Spiderweb Dangle Fashion Spooky Earrings
Square Hematite Gemstone Fine Silver Dangle Crystal Earrings
Don’t see what you are looking for? Maybe you will find it in some of the following showcases or ask one of our talented artists to design something special for you.
Week 1
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Here are more shopping opportunities for you:
O Holy Night
The First Noel
Silver Bells
Jingle Bells
O’ Come all Ye Faithful
Angels from the Realms of Glory
While the Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie
