On Christmas day 1863, the poet Longfellow wrote,

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.

How often at Christmastime we hear those words that echo the angels’ message when Jesus was born:  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

But then Longfellow’s focus turned on the world he lived in. Only six months before, 50,000 men had died within three days at the bloody Battle of Gettysburg. He wrote,

As 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 man!”
Our world is much like Longfellow’s. Wars continue. Hatred continues.

But as Longfellow turned his thoughts to the only one who can bring peace on this earth, he concluded his poem on a glorious note of hope,

Then peeled 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.”

Yes, one day peace will truly reign when Jesus returns to this earth. Zechariah, declared, “He [God] will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea…to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10).

Until that day when God brings peace to the nations, know that He can bring personal peace as you let Him rule the kingdom of your heart. My prayer for you is from scripture: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” (Romans 15:13).