Peace On Earth Resonates Now More Than Ever by Amy McVay Abbott

Many holiday songs reflect the theme of Peace on Earth. Some familiar Christmas hymns that include those words in the lyrics include "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," and "O Holy Night." A song often sung at Christmastime is "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

The less familiar song is based on a poem by famous American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and perfectly captures the theme of peace on earth. Has there been a time in recent history when we needed peace on earth more than we do today?

In 1864, Longfellow was depressed in his Cambridge, Massachusetts, home. Longfellow had been beset with terrible tragedies and reached a low point. He and his wife had lost a child, and then his wife had died in a preventable fire. His wife's death happened during the Civil War. Because the couple had already lost a child, his wife had often expressed to him before her death that she did not want their teenage sons fighting for the Union.

At age 18, the couple's oldest son enlisted despite knowing how his late mother felt about it. Longfellow, one of the country's most famous people, arranged for a non-combatant job for his son. Yet, his son was eager to get in the fight and resented his father's involvement. During a battle, a man was needed to run something up to the front, and David Longfellow volunteered. In the fracas, he was seriously injured.

His father went south to bring him home to Massachusetts for his eventual recovery. David got better, but Longfellow found himself in despair. 

Out of this despair came the poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," which was later set to music. It’s played widely at holiday time. Longfellow writes, "And in despair, I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth,” I said." He continued, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill toward men."

Longfellow heard sounds out his Cambridge window, and the clear, crisp sound of the church bells on a winter day transformed him. He wrote, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near, brings peace on earth, goodwill to men."

December this year has 11 holidays from many faiths, and while this song is Christian, the message of peace on earth is a needed one for all—Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and to all, Peace on Earth.

To read the entire text of the poem, click here.

 

Amy McVay Abbott is a journalist and author in southern Indiana. She writes a monthly opinion piece at the "Indianapolis Star," and her work can be found at Amy McVay Abbott's Portfolio (authory.com) She blogs at The Raven Lunatic on Substack | Amy Abbott | Substack.

Amy McVay Abbott