Well, out of all the incredible Christmas songs there are to choose from, one has rung anew in my heart this year. It is "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns. Have you listened to this new version of the traditional carol? Here are the lyrics: (You can watch a YouTube video of them performing this song by clicking the first picture link at the top of this blog page.)
"I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play, and mild and sweet their songs repeat, of peace on earth goodwill to man.
And the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir their singing (Peace on Earth)
In my heart I hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth good will to man.
And in despair I bow my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said. "For hate is strong and mocks the song," of peace on earth goodwill to man.
But the bells are ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth)
Does anyone hear them? (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth goodwill to man.
Then rang the bells more loud and deep; God is not dead nor does He sleep.
(Peace on earth, peace on earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; with peace on earth goodwill to man
(Goodwill to man)
Then ringing singing on it's way, the world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chain sublime, with peace on earth goodwill to man.
And the bells they're ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like a choir singing (Peace on Earth)
With our hearts we hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth goodwill to man.
Do you hear the bells, they're ringing (Peace on Earth)
Like an angel singing (Peace on Earth)
Open your hearts and hear them (Peace on Earth, goodwill to man)
Peace on earth, peace on earth
Peace on earth, goodwill to man."
Every time I listen to this song, I am struck with the question, "Am I ringing my bell for Christ?" Have you every listened to a hand bell choir perform? The skill and precision create such a beautiful sound to the audience listening. As Christ followers we are the "bells" in His eternal handbell choir. He has designed you specially for His glory and to sound His love to the world around you.
Do you hear the bells ringing? Do the people in your office, neighborhood, grocery store, school halls, or church hear His amazing song ringing through your life? In this world it is easy to get discouraged because there doesn't seem to be peace on earth, and it seems that hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth goodwill to man. But be strong because the bells are ringing loud and deep, "God is not dead nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; with peace on earth goodwill to man."
Have you laid your "bell" in the hand of the Master Conductor so He can create the master piece which will draw the lost to Himself? Ring aloud for Him. Ring out His sweet melody to everyone you see and meet. This dark world needs the melody of our Saviour, and He has designed you to be a part of His choir. Let Him ring true through you!
