Tuesday December 21, 2021
PEACE ON EARTH
SCRIPTURE: I urge, then, first of all, that requests prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1,2.
A poem written by Longfellow in 1863 and put to music in 1872 by John Culkin has been a favorite of mine for many years. In the last year and a half or so — with all of the unrest in our country and the world — the first, sixth and seventh verses have become a prayer not only at Christmas but every day of the year.
CHRISTMAS BELLS
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 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.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray at this time of year that the Christmas spirit of “Peace on Earth, Good will toward Everyone” will be our prayer as we work toward peace in our country and all the world. Amen.
Ruth Bowyer
