peace on earth – Page 2

Because of chronic illness, I do best with a quiet routine at home. This past week has been too busy for me, so I’m bone weary and I don’t feel very well in my chest. But still, it has been filled with time spent with our kids and grandkids, and that is such a joy. So even though my body feels worn out, my heart is still warmed by the blessings of love.

And as we are in the Advent season, my heart warms with what gifts God has brought us when He came to dwell with us here on earth. Thanks be to His coming, love, hope, peace, mercy, and grace are possible.

In this world we are surrounded by violence, some we hear about on the news and some unknown. So many people are suffering, whether revealed or hidden behind masks of “I’m fine.” Sometimes it can be so despairing that we wonder – “Where are You, God? Where is that peace on earth?”

Way back in 1864, after enduring so much heartache, Henry W. Longfellow spilled out these same emotions in the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” but the words still resonate in hearts today.

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 today,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

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.”

Thank God, He has not left us without hope. He is not dead. He never sleeps. Because of His coming in the Flesh, justice will prevail. Because He loved us so much, He came down to gift us with peace and good will. Such wondrous love!

I hope that in this Advent season, your hearts will fill with the light of hope, peace, and love!

“The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and His life brought light to everyone.
The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
John 1:4-5 NLT