Balm of Gilead Did You Borrow?

I love Christmas carols.  I love how they make me feel.  I love that they can bring in the Spirit so quickly.
One of my favorite carols has always been "I heard the bells on Christmas Day."  I love the melody.  I love the message.
I served my mission in Massachusetts, the home state of Longfellow, the author of the poem this carol came from.  The church building where we would have all of our transfers was in the culdesac named after Longfellow.  I think his house was in that culdesac. 

Longfellow wrote this poem in a time of despair.  His wife had just died in an accidental fire.  His oldest son had run away to be in the Civil War and had been wounded seriously.  Those Christmas bells seemed to mock his pain.
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!

Till 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!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
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 doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

After yesterday, we could all bow our heads in despair.  The hearts of men wax cold and hate is strong. 
"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."

Christ is the Prince of Peace.  He will always inspire the best in all of us. 
Bless the families in CT with His healing balm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA