Longfellow and Christmas

“Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Materialists believe in the virgin birth of the cosmos. Choose your miracle.” Says Glen Scrivener.

Certain people feel uncomfortable greeting each other, “Merry Christmas.” They would prefer using the words “Happy Holidays.” The reason they pointed out is that the word “Christ” in Christmas is offensive and not inclusive. I don’t know but I prefer to be conservative and will still greet everyone “A Merry or a Blessed Christmas.” I do not want to exclude the celebrant from the celebrations.

This reminds me an article I got from cybersalt.org website. And it opened a whole new horizon in me regarding the meaning of Christmas.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out that same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to hear his own son had been seriously wounded as a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac.

Sitting down to his desk, one Christmas Day, he heard the church bells ringing, and ringing. It was in this setting he wrote:

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 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.”

At this Christmas time whether you are in sorrow or in joy you can know that God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. He knows your every need and longs to comfort you and be that special One you need. Seek Him this year instead of the outward manifestations of the season. He will give life real meaning and your heart real peace – the peace that passes all understanding.

End of article.

Now let me share another one and this time I know that this was written by Lloyd D. Lance entitled: “Mary’s Dream.”
“I had a dream Joseph. I do not understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. “The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new gifts. “It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren’t for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. “Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house! They decorated the tree, also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. “Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. “They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don’t think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. “Doesn’t it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they don’t know Him? “I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. “Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. “How sad for Jesus... not to be wanted at His own birthday celebration. “I’m glad it was only a dream.” 

“How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.” 

Now you know why I greet all of you: A Blessed Christmas to one and all!”

(Francis Kong’s much awaited and highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership 2020 Edition runs on Jan. 29-30 at Seda Hotel, BGC. Attend the two-day inspiring and effective seminar-workshop. For further inquiries or advanced reservations contact April at +63928-559-1798 or register online at www.levelupleadership.ph)

https://www.cybersalt.org/illustrations/i-heard-the-bells