“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

Christmas Day, 1863, was a difficult day for the celebrated American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Less than 18 months earlier, he had been severely burned trying to rescue his wife from a fire that led to her death. Now a widowed father of six children, Longfellow continued to battle grief and depression after the loss of his beloved wife, Fannie.

In early December of 1863, Longfellow received a telegram that his 18-year-old son Charley, his oldest, had been injured fighting as a Union solider in the Civil War. He had been informed by a surgeon that his son’s condition was very serious, and that he might in fact be paralyzed. Longfellow was told to expect his rehabilitation would take at least six months.

Weeks later, as he heard church bells on Christmas Day proclaiming Good News of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, it all felt like a cruel hoax to Longfellow. With pen and paper in front of him, he wrote what seemed obvious to him. “There is no peace on earth . . . for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

But as the bells continued to sound, somehow, they began to drown out the despair in Longfellow’s soul. He picked up his pen again and wrote:

“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, good-will to men.”

For many who have experienced loss and grief during the year, the Christmas season can feel like a mockery. The season of love, joy, and peace can be a season of hopelessness and deep sadness. That’s why we need to remind ourselves of the message of Christmas. Our comfort is found in the Good News that God has come near. And that he will come again.

Prayer: Jesus, in my sorrow during this season, draw near to me. Help me find in you the peace for which my soul is longing.