I Heard the Bells

I was driving to church early one morning when I heard hose words, right in the middle of my Christmas playlist. From the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” something about that phrase struck me. I don’t think I’ve ever truly listened to that song and I had definitely never heard that line. And it moved me to tears.

I kept playing those words in my head.

God is not dead nor does He asleep.

When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem that inspired this song, he had just lost his wife, our country was in the middle of a civil war, and his son had enlisted against his father’s wishes.

You can feel the weight of his distraught in this line:

Am I the only one that feels that very same thing right now? Am I the only one afraid to look at the news or even browse the internet for fear of more bad news?

It’s hard to bear, the amount of tragedy wrecking our country and the world. Especially during a season that is all about light and hope and love.

I think of us now, evil and terror striking again and again. I think of Longfellow 150 years ago, drowning in loss and war and pain. I think of the people 2,000 years ago, awaiting a Savior in a time when God seemed silent.

The struggle is universal and transcends time. The longing for peace in the midst of chaos and fear and turmoil. The ache for rescue. The need for good.

That is why Advent is everything, now more than ever. In a tumultuous time, I pray we remember that there is a something that gives this life purpose, a Rescuer who has overcome the dark that causes shadow in our lives and hearts.

This season is dedicated to preparing our hearts for Christmas, a time to rejoice in His coming. But it is also a time to remember that He is alive and He is coming again.

And I think that’s the hope we need to take hold of right now.

Beyond the shiny decorations and fancy gifts of the season, this is the truth that matters, the truth this world needs, especially at this very moment.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep;

With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

May that sink in this Advent season. May we believe that He came to bring peace on Earth, even when it feels lost. May we remember that He has brought light, even when the all feels dark. May He reign in our hearts so we may carry His hope into a world that so desperately needs it.