Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men
On December 25, 1864, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sat at his desk and, in his grief, penned the now-famous poem, Christmas Bells. National and personal tragedy plagued him: a civil war raged on and, still mourning his wife’s sudden death three years prior, Longfellow had just received word that his son was seriously wounded in battle. Reflecting on Luke’s inspired words, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men, Longfellow expressed his doubt that goodness and peace can exist in a world so riddled with violence and hate.
Longfellow’s words have resounded in my ears during the Christmas season as I have been reflecting upon the journey on which Jamie and I are about to embark. His struggle reflects the process to which I, and I suspect many others, are subject. The overwhelming realities of war, injustice, and personal tragedy transcend time; indeed just over the past few days the news has been filled with unceasing violence in Gaza, suicide bombings in Sri Lanka and Iraq, and a Santa Claus killer in Los Angeles. It is a natural question for even the most amateur of philosophers: Where is the good in all of this hate? I am tempted to allow the enormity of it all to overcome any shred of hope that peace and justice can in fact be realized.
Yet as the prophet Jeremiah in his lament praises the Lord for His justice and goodness (Jer 20:7-18), so Longfellow’s faith ultimately penetrates his despair: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail… Christ’s entry into discord and his victory over the evil that would destroy us reminds me of a line from one of my favorite Christmas hymns: A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…
It is in this spirit that we do not freeze in despair, heads bowed. As the apostle Paul so profoundly told the church in Corinth:
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
In and through us the Prince of Peace is establishing His Kingdom and, one day, He will fully restore this broken and disappearing world. Therefore, knowing our work is not in vain, we continue to strive for that “wild and sweet” notion of “peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Sara
I heard the bells on Christmas Day,/ Their old, familiar carols play/ And wild and sweet the words repeat/ Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,/ The world revolved from night to day,/ A voice, a chime, a chant sublime/ Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth/ The cannon thundered in the South,/ And with the sound the carols drowned/ Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent/ The hearthstones of a continent,/ And made forlorn the households born/ Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men.”
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Jamie and Sara,
Good luck and Godspeed on your journey and mission. I wish you both the best and I am looking forward to hearing how everything goes and how you can change the world one little village or country at a time.
Miss you guys!
Good luck with the journey! Ya’ll have been and will be in my prayers! Thank you for doing the work that is tough for those who can’t repay you. It really brings joy to me to see God served in such an intense way!
We will be praying for you guys! We loved Africa. We know there will be many transitions, but God will be with you through the adjustments. It always took me about three weeks to “feel” settled and at home whenever we moved somewhere. We’ll be praying for the team dynamics too!
You guys are awesome and we’re so excited to hear what God will do through you.
Hugs and prayers,
Hope (Indy Mom)
A lie that is always spat to Gods people on the mission field is how hopeless it is, and that the world is dark and not full of any light. I am praying for you two, and I am praying for the work in Uganda. God Bless!!
Hi from mom and dad –
we love you kids and what you are about to do. As parents we always hope that our children will follow our good example and now your mom and dad are learning from your good example in your actions of peace and justice to all people. We Love you and are constantly praying for you and your mission to others.
Love, Mom and Dad Williams
Psalm 127 says “Children are a gift from the Lord”. God’s has truly given me great gifts with Sara and Jamie. I am so proud of both of you and feel so blessed to say that you are my children. I know that you will both do great things in Africa and know that there are many praying for you every day. We will miss you, but know that you are doing a great thing for the world – Dad
So proud and blessed to know both of you. I know God is shedding tears of joy knowing that his good and perfect intentions are reflected in you! I have you pic right on my desk and will continue to pray earnestly for your mission. Happy you are going to keep me informed! Can’t wait to hear about your arrival in Uganda!
Am picturing you two enjoying London today and then on to Uganda tonight. God has so much in store for both of you…..thanks for sharing your adventure with all of us who love you so much! Love, Mom S.
You are in our thoughts and prayers always. We miss you but we know that the Lord has prepared you for amazing things. Looking forward to hearing your stories of how the Lord lives and moves among His people. Love from the Fann family!
Have a great first day at work you two!
Just got back from quilt retreat at Liz and Henry’s. Slept in your room. It was so bittersweet to be surrounnded by all the beautiful things that you left behind in order to serve God!! I am in awe of what God is doing in your lives. Thanks for the book! Sara, I love your vanity table. The iron bed is lovely. Duke and I had two lovely nights together in it!!! ARF ARF!!
Hi Sara and Jamie! I constantly think about the adventures the two of you are sharing and am looking forward to hearing more about your experiences! Mom has been keeping me informed. Thanks for the two wonderful weeks we shared with Mom and Dad Williams! I love you all!! (Lost is just full of surprises and I look forward to each and every minute of it!) Love, Nana Nune
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DGS! I hope your special day was wonderful! Love you, Nana Nune