Christmas Inspiration

From Scott, December 2020

The words of one of my favorite poems (and hymn), I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, came into my mind and I pondered again those words and the feelings they conveyed.

As I pondered my thoughts, I penned two additional stanzas/verses to this poem. I shared them with my family on Christmas and share them with you now.

Merry Christmas.

Scott

Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807–1882; verses 6 and 7 by Scott Edward Westra, December 25, 2020

Music: John Baptiste Calkin, 1827–1905

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

1. 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.

2. I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th’unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

3. 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.”

4. 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.”

5. 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!

6. And now I’m blessed, my mind can see

Each day when humbly bow my knee

And in my heart, my course I chart

Of peace on earth good will to men.

7. I feel so blessed to see the Light

And know wherein to find the right

With joy I sing, my heart can bring

More peace on earth good will to men.