of peace on earth, good will to men

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 to day,

a voice, a chime, a chant sublime

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.”

...

i cannot fathom the depth of sorrow and despair that the families in connecticut must be experiencing right now.  all those questions that must keep their minds reeling.  the fear.  the overwhelming loss of something so great and so dear.  it breaks my heart.

this world is broken.  people are broken.  we need healing.  we need more peace.  we need more good will to men.  more compassion and kindness.  more love.  i don't know about you, but i have cuddled my little one a little more this weekend.  held her tighter.  prayed more fervently.  counted and re-counted my blessings.  my heart goes out to all those families whose lives are forever altered.  our family's prayers are with you.  may you be comforted.  may loving ones come around you.  during this time of turmoil and sadness, may you be given inexplicable peace.