In the midst of war and personal crisis Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the words, “Then 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.” In a world with a never-ending news feed of chaos, violence, misunderstanding and hate, it often feel like peace is nowhere to be found. And yet...within each one of us, in the innermost yearnings of our heart, is a light. And within that light is a unique wish for Peace and Love. But wishes don’t become realities without commitment and commitment often requires personal sacrifice.

Years later, after a season of his own personal growth and inner-resolution, Longfellow followed up his desperate words with these, “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.” These words became the song, “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day” an anthem of Peace to the world- Longfellow’s own wish for peace fulfilled. What kind of life are you willing to live to make your wish for Peace a reality?

*See here for an inspiring version of the Longfellow story as told by Ed Herrmann and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir https://youtu.be/sXfzp296zhA