“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Bells of Peace – John 16:33 (December 14)
I am a singer and worship leader. I have always loved Christmas carols, and one of my favorites is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Throughout the song, a quote from the angels who announced the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds in the Christmas story is repeated again and again.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 (KJV)
Prince of Peace
Peace on earth, goodwill toward men. The ancient prophets also spoke of One who would bring peace. In fact, He would be the Prince of Peace.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Singing in the midst of tragedy
The lyrics of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” were written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during a time of great loss, fear, and chaos in his life. His country, engaged in Civil War, was in turmoil with rampant hate and division. His beloved wife had died in a fire. His oldest son had just been severely wounded in battle and was on the edge of life and death. He heard the bells ringing and penned the beautiful words that remind us that peace cannot be found in the things of this world. It can only be found in our God that is not sleeping. Only in our Savior who has conquered death.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
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 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!
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!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
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.”
Jesus offers peace
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus Himself said that we cannot find peace in the world, but only in Him.
Action Step:
Take a look at your life today and see where you have been trying to find peace. Does the idea of a full bank account feel like it would bring peace? Are you placing the burden of providing your peace on your spouse, family member, or a friend? Is the job you have or want to have where you are seeking peace? Let’s take a moment to put our hope in the only One who can bring us the peace we crave. While the world around us is in turmoil, we can live in His peace. When our circumstances are a constant struggle, we can rest in His peace.
In Philippians 4, Paul writes that the peace of God transcends our understanding. Others may not understand the peace we have in the midst of loss and trial, but it is ours through Jesus. Let’s tap into that peace today.
Prayer:
Dear God, Open our spiritual eyes to see where we have misplaced our trust and hope for peace. Help us to seek peace in You. Let the bells we see in decorations and hear during this season remind us that Jesus is our Prince of Peace in a chaotic world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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