Devotion

"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."

In the midst of the American Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, struggled with depression. During the war, his wife died, and his son was severely injured in battle. We hear Longfellow’s disillusionment with the suffering of war as he writes: 

"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.”

Longfellow’s words still speak today. With war in Ukraine, in Gaza, and division in our nation, is peace really possible? Writer Anne M. Dilenschneider suggested widening the vocabulary of prayer to include dance, art and music. We communicate in many ways so our prayer can take many forms.

Perhaps Christmas carols that express our desire for peace could become our prayers. Longfellow’s poem, “Christmas Bells” closes with the promise: 

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.”

Consider choosing a Christmas carol like “Silent Night,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” or “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” to pray for peace. Sing them as a prayer asking God for peace on earth."

This Week's Churches and Pastors 

Northeast District

December 1 

St. Joseph’s West
Chaplain Christine Dumas and spouse Mark

December 2

Mercy Hospital
Chaplain Karen Fields and spouse William

December 3

Aldersgate UMC (Juneau, Alaska)
Extension Ministry Kristin Saviers McGuire and spouse Brian

December 4

NW Healthcare
Extension Ministry Jill G. Walter-Penn and spouse David

December 5

Endorsed Chaplain
Chaplain Robert Collingwood

December 6

Center for Counseling
Chaplain Linda Horrell

December 7

Eden Theological Seminary
Extension Ministry Kristen Leslie

December 8

Endorsed Chaplain
Chaplain Harold Morse and spouse Lin