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<<Video Below>>

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) is among the Great Cloud of Witnesses who have gone before us into glory (Heb 12:1). He’s a favorite of mine. Perhaps because I grew up “by the shores of Gitchee Gumee, by the shining Big-Sea-Water.” (I even had to memorize that poem in Jr. High. LOL)  

Longfellow is most well-known for his poems “Paul Revere’s Ride,” “The Song of Hiawatha,” and “Evangeline.” But his poem, “Christmas Day,” written in 1863, was set to music, and you’ve likely sung the words in the popular Christmas song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”   

While you probably know the poem’s words from the Christmas song, you likely don’t know the story of the circumstances that inspired Longfellow to write. Before listening to a beautiful rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” consider the poet and his poetry.  You’ll find a new and deeper meaning to the sound of the bells in “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (VIDEO BELOW)

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

For many years,  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had been vocal in his opposition to slavery in our country. His poem, “The Witnesses,” written in 1842 on a ship crossing the Atlantic from Europe to the United States, reveals his thoughts:

“In Ocean’s wide domains, Half buried in chains,
Lie skeletons in chains, With shackled feet and hands. 

. . . Within Earth’s wide domains, Are markets for men’s lives;
Their necks are galled with chains, Their wrists are cramped with gyves.

Dead bodies, that the kite, In deserts makes its prey;
Murders, that with affright, Scare school-boys from their play!

. . .These are the woes of Slaves; They glare from the abyss;
They cry, from unknown graves, “We are the Witnesses!”

“The Witnesses” reveals Longfellow’s heart of compassion for the suffering of others, but his poem, “The Christmas Bells” reveals his own personal pain and suffering.

In 1861, the Civil War began.  

That same year, Longfellow lost his wife tragically in a fire, and only two years later, he faced another tragedy.

As a strong advocate of abolitionism, Longfellow hoped and prayed for reconciliation between the North and South. He longed for an end to slavery and an end to the war that had divided the country and brought so many injuries and deaths.  But there was no end in sight, and on December 1, 1863, the pains of war hit home for him.

Longfellow’s son Charles had been seriously injured by a Confederate bullet at the Battle of New Hope Church.  And on Christmas Day 1863, Longfellow sat at his son’s bedside, despairing.  He lamented over the war that was raging, the toll it was taking on so many, and the possibility of losing his son.  Sitting quietly, Longfellow heard church bells ringing the familiar song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (click for the song’s history and video). That song includes the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born: “On earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  Those words inspired Longfellow with hope.

The Christmas Bells

Hearing the bells ringing and hoping for his son’s recovery, Longfellow began his poem.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet, the words repeat, of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men!

As the cannon’s thunder pierced his mind, Longfellow’s thoughts turned to those of despair:

Then, from each black, accursed mouth, the cannon thundered in the South. 
And with the sound, the carols drowned, of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men!”

From Darkness to Light

In the deepest valley of pain and suffering, we are never alone.  And in the darkness of despair shines the light of hope.

The Gospels so beautifully remind us that Jesus is with us (Mat 28:20b).  He came to shine light in our darkness (John 1:5), to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), to give life to our souls (John 3:3), and to restore mankind to a right relationship with God (Mat 11:28).

It’s reasonable to think that Longfellow understood these precious promises, for in his despair on that Christmas Day in 1863, he remembered the message of hope that the bells proclaimed:  

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, goodwill to men.

Although we may have great trials, terrible tribulations, and overwhelming challenges, we need never despair. We have a hope that reigns eternal. Our God is alive and forever faithful to be with us, to watch over us, and to protect and guide us.  

We have hope in our hearts, peace in our minds, rest in our souls, and joy in Jesus that can never be taken away, for Jesus has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5).

Pause to Hear the Bells

Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses:  "Cloud of Witnesses" refers to those in Heaven who have run their races and are now with the Lord. Their words of wisdom are filled with faith, hope, love, and joy that warm our souls. Their words present the eternal truths of God that grow us and give us joy. And their words strengthen our souls, equip our minds, encourage our hearts, and empower us to stand firm in our faith and be motivated, ready, and willing to share the hope we have in Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith...(Hebrews 12:1-2) 

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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***  

Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus.  When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ   Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.

The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023 

  1. The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
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There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith.  Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory.  Their words equip and encourage us even to this day.  Take a few minutes to hear...

  1. ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
  2. “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
  3. Prayers from Billy Graham
  4. Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
  5. “Immanuel” — A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
  6. Who Am I? A Poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945)
  7. Understanding the Everlasting Arms of God, by J.R. Miller (1840–1912)
  8. 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
  9. Give Me Perpetual Broken-heartedness (from The Valley of Vision)
  10. Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

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