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December 20
Psalm 125
Growing up, I knew the last week of November meant a few things: our tree was going up, school was winding down, and Christmas music would be sung at church. I loved it; there was a whole section in our hymnal of Christmas music, and I would keep a little list of what songs we sang, hoping we would get them all (and maybe a few of my favorites would come up twice). As I read these words and mull over how to tie them to the Advent season, one song comes to mind.
As a teenager, I didn’t know how to feel about the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It had a lovely, bittersweet melody that appealed to me, but the lyrics were a bit of a roller coaster. It was such a sad image to picture someone at Christmas time – a time of joy! – bowing their head in despair, torn over hate being strong and the lack of peace on Earth. Frankly, it just wasn’t as fun to sing as “Joy to the World” or “Silent Night.” I think a big part of this was my lack of maturity in my faith at that age. I didn’t want to associate Christmas with sadness, doubt, or hurt – but for many, that’s what it can be. Our circumstances on Earth aren’t always belting “joy to the world.” and that can weigh heavier, it seems, this time of year.
As an adult, I can barely sing this song without emotion cracking my voice. Now, I don’t just focus on the sadness of that verse – I focus on the response. “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.” What a reassurance to know that no matter the prayer, the joy or despair, the answer is the same: God is there. God is in control. God will not let evil prevail.
We have a lot of turmoil in our world. It is easy to watch the news or read articles and feel heavy over hate and a lack of peace. Sometimes our prayers can feel like they’re full of despair – and yet, God does not change. The response will not change. Peace on Earth, good will to men.
Linsey Brown