Weekly Invitation Dec 9
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.
Henry W. Longfellow wrote the lyrics in the midst of the Civil War in 1864. Unusual for a Christmas song, but not a wartime poem, the hymn is full of despair. But it ends with hope, and faith that God’s intentions will prevail.
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.”
In this advent season, we wait with joyful anticipation, faithful hope, and eyes open to the realities of life around us. In this season of beautiful decorations, it would be all too easy to turn away from the ugly harsh realities of poverty, war, and sickness. But, as people of faith, we see the world as it is, and dare to proclaim,
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With Peace on earth, good will to men.”
This week, our carrilon was installed, and it plays twice a day at noon, and 6pm. Each day the bells chime the hour and play an Advent Hymn. The bells are a sign of our faith, and hope. They call to the community, “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With Peace on earth, good will to men.” Stop by to hear it during the week or on Sunday.
I’ll see you on Sunday,
Pastor Heather
