The Nisley's 2023 Christmas Letter

"PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MAN" is the subject of the Nisley's 2023 Christmas Letter

Ironically, many of the world's favorite Christmas songs were written in times of war.  "I heard  the Bells on Christmas Day" is no exception. It was written by famed American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), during the American Civil War, right after his son (a Union soldier),  was injured in battle.  Below are Longfellow's immortal words:

"I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play;

In music sweet the tones repeat,

'There's peace on earth, good will to men.'

"I thought now, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along th' unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

"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 hot dead, nor does he sleep,

For Christ is here; His Spirit near

Brings peace on earth, good will to men.'

"O souls amid earth's busy strife,

The Words of God is light and life;

Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice,

Hail peace on earth, good will to men.

"Then happy, singing on your way,

Your world will change from night to day;

Your heart will feel the message real,

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, and a joyous New Year,

The Nisley family: Rich, Cindy, Scot and William