Advent Reflection #22: I heard the bells . . .

This morning our church choir sang a beautiful arrangement, accompanied by the bell choir and other orchestra, of the old hymn, I heard the bells on Christmas Day.  They sang it to a different tune, the name of which escapes me right this minute, but that added to the beauty.  Reflect on these words.  They are as true today as 160 or so years ago when Longfellow wrote them.

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."

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!