I recently came across the story behind the lyrics of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War. This is not a very popular Christmas song but after learning the story behind the songs it has new meaning for me. Especially since my brother, Dan, is away from home this year defending our country. Apparently, when the bells were rung on Christmas day during the Civil War, there was a cease-fire for the day. There was peace for Christmas day. Here are those lyrics:
I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat of "Peace on earth, good will to men."
I thought as now the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom Had rung so long 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, Dan…I love you.
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Well I just got off the phone with my wife (Jill) and was told that I had to get (and keep) current with my sisters (Amy) blog. So I got on the Web and started reading. There are only a few things that will bring a tear to my eye - and now there seems to be another. It is very hard to be away from family and friends during this time of year. However, it does make things quite a bit easier when you have a family like mine!! I am not special because there are hundreds of thousands of men and women in the same shoes I am in. The easiest way to describe how most of us feel is to listen to Toby Keith's song "American Soldier". That song gives me goose bumps every time I listen to it. I wish we had it at home so Jill and the boys' could listen to it. I'm sure everyone knows that Amy has moved into our house to "help out" with the boys' in my absence and, in the words of Tyler and Lucas, I cannot begin to tell her how much that means to me. But I can start by saying "THANK YOU"!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too, Amy...I love you too.
Kiss my boys' for me and tell them I love them.
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