You might not believe it, but there is actually a "theology" of church bells. Church bells, because of their loud peals and purity of tone, are thought to 1) drive away evil spirits, 2) expel negative thoughts/attitudes, 3) call people to worship, and 4) announce the "sending" of the saints (this is one way they function at AMC as little girls and boys ring them after service on Sunday). By any standard, our bells are beautiful and compelling.
Wednesday, our handbell choir will serve at our Community Tree Lighting, and all of the above traditions will be at play. I expect the bells will ring with purity through the cold evening air. I hope everyone gathers at this annual "ringing in" the Christmas season!
There is another very American story about bells. The song, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day," was written by the great American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Longfellow's life was marked by several events that shaped the song and offer hope, even to those of us who have lost much. His wife, the love of his life, was sealing envelopes, in 1861, when the flame ignited her clothing, and she was burned to death. In 1863, Charley, his son, unknown to Longfellow, joined the Union Army. Later that year, Charley was wounded in battle. So Longfellow, with his son barely recovering from the wound, was faced with a Christmas nursing his son back to health, and caring for the 5 other children. On Christmas Day, 1863, he sat down, overwhelmed by war, responsibility, and loss, and did what poets do. He wrote. Here are some of those words:
I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play. And mild and sweet their songs repeat, 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 rang the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor does he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. With peace on earth good will to men.
Then 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.
These words are as true today as they were then. And, for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, those bells did all of those things written above. They drove out evil, expelled negativity, called him into worship, and then sent him out to serve God. He served well, as we share his song, his hope, and his longing for "peace on earth, good will to men." AMEN
