Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

[Shuckins]

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.

I 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.

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."


_________________________

Merry Christmas all!  Best wishes always.

Regards, Shuckins

[Leslie]

Christmas Bells
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow




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!

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!’

[Maverick]

Gents,

Nice reminder that this period of time is not about gifts or decorations. It's about the hope for a better world and the birth of the true center of Christmas.

and joyous holidays.