The lyrics to “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” are from a poem titled “Christmas Bells” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, on December 25th, 1864. At the time, America was still immersed in the horrors of the Civil War. Longfellow was struggling with personal hardship as well; his wife had recently died tragically, and his son was suffering critical war injuries. Reflecting the despair he’s feeling, his poem begins on a somber note that gradually and confidently changes to renewed hope of triumphant peace – as he listens to the Christmas bells…
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep!”
One of my absolute favorite Christmas songs. Casting Crowns’ version does a wonderful job of bringing out the emotions behind Longfellow’s poem.
