Words of Advent: Peace

Day twenty of a daily meditation, a practice of free writing on words of Advent this season...

What are you hearing this Christmas?  

What song is playing on repeat?

Stress. Anxiety. Depression. Despair. 

Desire. Disappointment. Bitterness. Busy-ness.

Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. Sorrow.

Maybe you are hearing none of these,

but chances are, someone you know is.

In the news alone, it's hard to hear any song above the noise

of pain, conflict, injustice, tragedy.

There is no peace in the news.

But if we stand outside and listen -

listen, beneath the rumble of the earth -

we might just catch another song

vibrating hope within our souls.

Peace.

photo credit

I heard the bells on Christmas day

(Adapted by Casting Crowns)

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing
Like a choir they're singing
In my heart I hear them
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

But the bells are ringing
Like a choir singing
Does anybody hear them?
Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang 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

Then 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 the bells they're ringing
Like a choir they're singing
And with our hearts we'll hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing?
The life the angels singing
Open up your heart and hear them
Peace on earth, good will to men

Peace on earth, Peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men

[Listen to the song here.]