A life in words

On Christmas day I heard the bells play their old familiar carols, and they repeated wildly and sweetly the words “peace on earth, good will to men.” I thought how at the coming of day the Christian world’s belfries had rolled along the unbroken song, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” I bowed my…

The first “Noel” the angel said was to certain poor shepherds as they lay in fields—in fields where they lay while keeping their sheep on a cold, deep winter night. Noel! The king of Israel is born! They looked up and saw a star shining far beyond them in the east. It gave great light…

Shepherds of old far, far away on Judea’s plains heard the joyous melody: “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to everyone!” This melody of redeeming love is a sweet message of mercy from heaven above. “Glory in the highest to God. Let there be peace on earth…