Peace on Earth

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

I thought how as the day had come,

The Belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th’ 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 doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Then 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!

Henry W. Longfellow