Day 3: I Heard the Bells

Day 3 of Advent

I Heard the Bells

In the whirlwind of 2020, our family found solace in seeking moments of peace. One day, we gathered with some of the kids and opened an old poetry book. To our surprise, the verses seemed to hold a mirror to our current times, despite being written in centuries past. It was a joyous reminder of the enduring relevance of timeless literature in our lives.

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.

-Brigette

Listen to Harry Belafonte's Classic Rendition

Include us in your day! Tag @piperandleaf and #piperandleafadvent

Scripture Reading for the Day

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

Activity for Today

Christmas Poem & Crafting Vintage Bells

Take a moment to pen your own Christmas poem. Just try for one line and see if you are inspired to continue. Who knows, it could be the next Christmas classic.

Inspired by the bells in the poem, we made our own vintage style bell ornaments! They can be as simple or as intricate as you like! The website below shows how to make them out of water bottles and plastic cups! The results add just a touch of classic Christmas charm, the perfect addition to your holiday decor!

How to Make Bell Decorations!

Jolly Strawberries Chime with Crisp Apples, Ringing in Christmas Cheer with a Zing of Lemongrass!

Let's spill the tea about Strawberry Shindig...

Eloquent Description

Like a good party host, the Strawberry lets the Apples do a lot of the talking. Sharp burst of strawberries on the front, crisp echoes of fresh apple tarts sing throughout the light body, culminating in a dry expression of divine nectar.

Ingredients

Apples
Strawberries
Hibiscus
Rosehips
Lemongrass
Organic Flavor
Spearmint

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 212 water for 7 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

“My all time favorite and go to! Moved a few states away, but I order it all the time because it's just that good.”
– Geena

All about I Heard the Bells

Fun Fact!
This poem was written by Henry Longfellow, the same author who wrote Paul Revere’s Ride. That famous poem helped keep Paul Revere’s story alive. Caleb and I named one of our sons Mark Revere after the legendary silversmith and night rider! Our family loves Longfellow’s work, and there’s even a movie that came out recently about Longfellow's life and how this poem came to be. If you watch it, grab a box of tissues - you'll need it!*

*Caleb wrote this, so take it with a grain of salt because he cries every time he watches a movie...
Check Out the Movie Trailer on YouTube!
Listen to Harry Belafonte's Classic Rendition
I Heard the 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 to 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 hearth-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 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."
About the Author
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the most popular American poet in the 19th century, most famous for his works The Song of Hiawatha(1855) and “Paul Revere’s Ride” (1863), wrote the poem "Christmas Bells" in 1863 in response to receiving a telegram on Christmas Day, 1863, informing him that his son being severely wounded in the Mine Run campaign in Virginia.
The heart of the poem centers around the joyful sound of church bells ringing out to celebrate the holiday season. Their chimes carry a hopeful message—a wish for "Peace on earth, goodwill to men," inspired by the words from the King James Bible, Luke 2:14.
"Christmas Bells" was first shared with young readers in Our Young Folks magazine in February 1865, and later that same year, it found a special place in Longfellow's Household Poems collection.