Despite war, suffering, tragedy, and turmoil, love prevails during Christmas.

Despite the sorrow on Earth, how can there be "Joy To the World"?

Despite the ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine and the deep-seated hatred towards God's chosen people in our nation's streets, how can we not think of sleigh bells jingling, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and Jack Frost nipping at our noses?

One of America's greatest poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, had the same thoughts 160 years ago.

On Christmas Day in 1863, the Civil War was a devastating conflict that tore a gaping wound in the nation, and at the same time, Longfellow faced personal hardships.

Fanny, his wife of 18 years and the mother of his six children, had died in a fiery accident in their home after her dress caught fire from a lit candle. Meanwhile, Longfellow's son Charlie was critically injured fighting for the Union army near Washington, D.C.

On that day, the church bells' Christmas bells sounded like they were mocking the idea of "peace on Earth."

Despite experiencing personal grief and the devastation of a war that resulted in almost a million deaths, Longfellow wrote the renowned poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," which is now a timeless Christmas carol.

Longfellow's poem concludes with the lines "peace on Earth, good will to men."

In a post-women's rights era, modern readers should not be offended by the phrase "good will to men."

The poem takes the reader on a journey from how the bells herald the mirth in the traditions surrounding Christmas.

The phrase "peace, good will toward men" in Luke 2:14 refers to all of humanity, not just the male gender.

The bells ring out with joyous tunes during Christmas celebrations, as their old, familiar carols play and create a sense of mirth.

The start of war and the blasts of bombs brought an end to the words "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 then questions God's existence and omnipotence.

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!"

Through the din, the bells ring out that one great truth.

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."

One of our great misfortunes today is not giving Christmas carols their proper importance.

To market their products, advertisers often misuse the true meaning of "Joy to the World" in their radio ads, such as when a phone company uses it to promote a new phone plan.

Instead of "The Lord has arrived, let the heavens and earth celebrate" — we now hear about the superiority of one company's wireless plan compared to another.

How can a world in pain experience the transformative power of joy's message of hope in a world shrouded in darkness when commercialization overshadows the words, "He reigns supreme with truth and mercy, ending the reign of sin and sorrow ... He brings forth His blessings to flow, wherever the curse is found."

The most commonly utilized Christmas carol in advertising campaigns is "Carol of the Bells."

Listen to the sound of the silver bells, as they ring out, spreading joy and happiness, to all who hear them, during the holiday season.

Original: The cat sat on the mat. Rewritten: The feline rested on the rug.

The biblical inspiration for "Carol of the Bells" has Old Testament roots, despite its lyrics not making any deep theological statements about the birth of Jesus, according to GodTube.

"Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away, Christmas is here, bringing good cheer, to young and old, meek and the bold."

On that day, the bells of the horses will bear the inscription "Holy to the Lord," and the pots in the Lord's house will be like bowls before the altar.

The bells on Aaron's robe rang as he performed his duties in the holy place before the Lord, as described in Exodus 28:33-35.

Praise the Lord with everything that has breath.

Christmas classics such as "Silver Bells," "White Christmas," and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" are beloved and have their own special place.

During the holidays, songs about Rudolph, Frosty the snowman, and walking in a winter wonderland all warm our hearts.

Only in carols do we truly grasp the essence of Christmas, encompassing both the joy of Jesus' birth and the solemnity of his mission: to die.

What child is this who rests on Mary's lap?

The Word made flesh, the babe, the Son of Mary, shall be crucified for you and me.

The birth of Jesus, who sacrificed himself to bridge the gap between God and humanity, brings both joy and sorrow during this season.

He left His glory to live among us, abide with us, and live the life we couldn't live, resulting in joy.

Our sin and curse were so great that God took the wrath of his own judgment and died the death we deserve.

Carols convey the notion that the world is not as it should be, yet they offer immense hope for what it could be.

The melody of "O come O come Emanuel" is somber and almost like a funeral song. However, its chorus urges, "Rejoice, Rejoice!"

Emanuel will come to you, Israel.

Because of Christmas, a new, category-busting power has entered the world, one that was not accessible for the past tens of thousands of years of human existence.

Christmas brought about a love that surpasses all understanding, as well as Grace.

A film adaptation of Longfellow's famous poem, "I Heard the Bells," is now available on demand through most cable and streaming platforms.

In the era of AI and advanced technology, a tale about an 1800s poet might appear outdated.

Longfellow's poem still bears the truth because it was based on divine reality.

Cal Thomas, a bestselling author and nationally syndicated columnist, observes that from his perspective, nothing ever truly evolves.

Thomas remarked, "Although you can alter hairstyles, clothing, fashion, and modes of transportation, and even elect new politicians, it seems that little truly changes. This is largely due to the constancy of human nature."

Divine reality is the basis of Longfellow's poem, which remains true.

Yes, hate is strong — but God's love is stronger.

Wars do bring death — but God through Jesus Christ has conquered death.

With God by our side, there is still hope, even when our hearts are broken.

And there is triumph even amid tragedy.

On Christmas Day, listen closely to the bells, despite the noise of the world around you.

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