You might not know the story behind why the famous carol Christmas Bells was written. “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was composed on December 25^th, 1864 by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). He is one of the most widely known and best-loved American poets of the 19th century.

As I was researching the carol, I found the real inspiration for this beloved Christmas song. This poem reflected the personal pain and loss of his wife, his son was severely wounded in the war, and the nation was deeply divided and suffering from the Civil War.

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As you read the poem you will find that above all he held on to the power of God in his life. Great lesson! As we face many challenges in this life, never lose hope. As you read this carol, you feel Longfellow’s struggle. It is similar to what many today feel as we face all kinds of personal and national challenges.

Following is the carol, with all the key stanzas that I hope encourage you this Christmas and direct your focus during these historic challenges to the Lord who is the author of our hope!

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.”

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas! Be sure to visit the new Pray for America’s Leaders website to pray for  your state leaders and those from all over the Nation! And join us live on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm ET —IFApray.org/LIVE or call (667) 771-7910 2452#.

Photo by Maximilian Zahn on Unsplash. 

How are you praying this Christmas? If this article encourages you, please share with a friend.