Henry Wadsworth Longfellow says it more eloquently than the above title does. At times it does seem that this world is a lost cause. It is only because we have “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV) that we strive to change ourselves and our world into the likeness of God. It is only because of this faith that we can look with a positive gaze into the future.
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.
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! [1]
____________________________
[1] Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Christmas Bells, 1807–1882.
