But a few more hours until Christmas 2014 ends, unless, like me, you enjoy extending the celebration for the full 12 days, until the wise men arrive at the stable in Bethlehem on January 6th. I would like to offer one of my favorite carols, based upon a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: During the American Civil War, Longfellows oldest son Charles Appleton Longfellow joined the Union cause as a soldier without his fathers blessing. Longfellow was informed by a letter dated March 14, 1863, after Charles had left. I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your leave but I cannot any longer, he wrote. I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good.[2] Charles soon got an appointment as a lieutenant but, in November, he was severely wounded[3] in the Battle of New Hope Church (in Virginia) during the Mine Run Campaign. Coupled with the recent loss of his wife Frances, who died as a result of an accidental fire, Longfellow was inspired to write Christmas Bells. He first wrote the poem on Christmas Day in 1863.[4] Christmas Bells was first published in February 1865 in Our Young Folks, a juvenile magazine published by Ticknor and Fields.[5] 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! 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. https://youtube/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 02:17:54 +0000
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