It’s Sunday, but our church services were cancelled due to the weather. I talk to God in the quiet of the house, and my cat and dog lay at my feet as though they want to talk to Him, too. All creatures are blessed by God, humans and pets. I open my Bible to some favorite verses; I praise the Lord for all He has done for my family, friends, and myself. Even in this time outside of the church, I can still hear His voice saying, “Come to me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you peace.”
I awoke this morning to another blanket of pristine white snow, heavy with water but sparkling like diamonds. As I look out the kitchen window, all’s right with the world. My American flag is blowing straight out from the flag pole, and I pray for our service men and women around the world who continue to serve our nation and who may be in less than hospitable places. I wonder where my grandson is now; he can’t tell us where he is for security reasons. He is in my prayers every day, and I hope for his safe return to us. Jesus said, “The greatest thing a man can do is lay down his life for another;” My husband and I are so proud of him; he’s such a fine young man, willing to be sent to the most dangerous places so that we can live free.
As I feel the presence of God in this quiet time, I can hear a steeple bell tolling in the distance from an old country church. A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow comes to mind, “Christmas Bells.”
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 and 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 heart-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 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.”
It snowed a blanket of pristine white, heavy with water but sparkling like diamonds. I ask for “peace,” Lord. I yearn for the day when I can hold my grandson in my arms and say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Anna Hartt
