Bells

The traditions of Christmas decorations most often noticed are the lights, the wreaths, the colors of red and green and the music but one special reflection of Christmas that seems to not be so prevalent are the bells.  We hear them, we sing songs about them, and we even sometimes ring them. But how often do we really take notice of them:  Church bells, Salvation Army Bells, Sleigh Bells, Clock Bells, Hospital  Bells (to celebrate an end to treatment and a healthy report), Jingle Bells  etc. 

Did you know that in older times bell-ringing in winter stems from the Pagan tradition of scaring away evil spirits at night, but the motive was forgotten and Christians, and I am sure others began to change the course of bells to become festive bell-ringing that was introduced in celebrations and announcements. 

Familiar “bell” songs include Jingle Bells, Silver bells, Carol of the bells and one of the oldest; I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. As the story goes on that song: On Christmas Day in 1863, the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow listened to the bells from a nearby church, overwhelmed by loss.

Two years earlier, his wife had burned to death in a fire, and he had also been badly burned trying to save her. At times, his grief was so great that he feared that he would be sent to an asylum. His son had also been wounded in the Civil War and was temporarily paralyzed. As he listened to the church bells,

Longfellow wrote a poem that reflected his grief:“In despair,” he wrote, “I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth, I said.”

But he ended the poem, which was later put to music, on a note of triumph. 

“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, goodwill to men.”

Longfellow would not let The bells of Christmas be silenced. There was something about them that reminded this grieving husband and worried father of what was still true. War, evil, injustice...pain, loss, loneliness...wouldn’t have the last word. 

The bells of Christmas seemed to say, “Don’t give in to doubt. Don’t give up your faith. BELIEVE...BELIEVE....BELIEVE.”

This Christmas season is a time to listen and reflect of the true and deep blessing we have received through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The bells we here, are reminders that though we all are moving in different directions and often struggling through various trials, it is God who is the one who provides us the peace and faith to endure and overcome whatever life presents us with. His blessings are there, we just sometimes have to dig a little deeper to find them and hold on to them.  

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It is God’s peace that is proclaimed day after day and moment by moment.  Listen to the bells that ring in your heart. Be aware of the bells that ring around you.. They are resounding nudges that Christmas time is a time of celebration…for where would be without Christ? Though the world seems upside down and filled with chaos, and evil seems to be lurking around the corner…God remains on his throne.  

His flame of joy, hope and peace cannot be extinguished, or filtered. That is the truth that we must allow to overtake our uncertainties. 

Let the bells of His power and sovereignty ring softly in your heart and in your mind. Let them be reminders that you and I are never left alone to fight our battles. Christ was born to be our savior our friend, our defender, and our hope. And by God’s grace, he gives us a peace (if we accept it) that does passes all understanding.  

May we continue to declare his majesty and greatness and be grateful that God is a living spirit that abounds within us and his infinite power to help us overcome any obstacles that come our way is just a prayer away. May we celebrate Christmas with Hope.  May we pause a sec when we hear a bell, any bell, and be reminded of whose birthday we are celebrating, and the true light of this world who has come to be.    

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

May you hear the bells, Cathy

1) As a side note; remember the movie Its a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart...remember what was said about a bell ringing? An angel had just gotten their wings...just think a minute about when you acknowledge a ringing bell...and give God a quick wink of love and thanksgiving...for we are all his angels on this earth to pass along the love that he has given us.

2) As information..... There is a new movie that came out Dec 1st exploring Longfellows life...titled "I heard the Bells"..(Civil War era).that is one of my to-do's to see before Christmas! .

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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