What a beautiful and wonderful time of the year it is– Christmas.  We are reminded of the miracle that took place over two thousand years ago and how it changed the future forever.  Has any single event made such an impact on our world?

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”  – Luke 2:11

While this season is full of cheer and warm wishes we still have the haunting reality that our nation is in as dire a situation as it has ever been.  Yes, it often seems we are always saying it, yet it is still without a doubt true.  With that this poem, familiarized as to us as a Christmas carol, comes to mind.  The words are full of unrest, yet they are reassuring.  We shall conquer in the end!!

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!

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 the earth, good-will to men.

– William Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863