For everyone whose Christmas holds both joy and pain, who celebrates with sadness on the edges, and for whom the waiting and wanting is more present than content and satisfaction, this carol is for you.

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 thought how, as the day had come,
the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along
the unbroken song
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 does He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
with peace on earth, good will to men.”

May you hear the bells and have a merry Christmas.

Love,
Joanna