There’s a famous hymn that was written during the Civil War called “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. The older kids and I studied the Civil war at the beginning of the school year and it was heartbreaking. Every family knew someone who died. Many lost at least one loved one, if not several loved ones. Families divided, homes burned, livelihoods destroyed, dreams broken. It was for a good cause don’t get me wrong, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. War is hell. And that’s the background to this song.
Well, there’s an updated rendition of the song, which is so good! (video of the song is at the bottom of the post) –
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
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 rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does He sleep!
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men
Then 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
Do you hear the bells they’re ringing?
The life the angels singing
Open up your heart and hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men
It is so easy to spend this season focusing only on the truth that Jesus was born as a baby and placed in a manger. But this is just the beginning of the story and behind the scenes something huge was going on. Do you realize when Jesus became a baby in that manger heaven broke forth into earth in a whole new way?! The King of kings was now walking on this planet and nothing would ever be the same again! Heaven broke into earth. The Kingdom of God began to go forth with power and authority as the Son of God became a man and walked among His people.
Yes believer, celebrate the baby in the manger but don’t stop there or you’ll miss the bigger picture. The Kingdom of God is now forcefully advancing. And it is only a matter of time until the Kingdom of God fills the nations and the glory of God covers there earth, and there will finally be peace on earth and good will toward all men… all because a baby was born.
The King of Israel became King of the world in the man called Jesus from Nazareth. Let’s worship the King this Christmas season.