This is one of my new favorite Christmas songs this year...even though this song has been out for a VERY long time. There is a line that continually repeats in this song, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men". Now, when I tried to listen to this song again, I searched based on this one line, assuming that this was the title of the song, but I found out that the title was, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". (Hopefully this self-confession helps you find the song a bit easier if you ever want to look it up again). 

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men...a few lyrics that sound great, but at times can make us wonder if this lovely line is actually possible? In fact, in reality, the below lines of the song are what I actually experience more often today. 

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, goodwill to men

While this may be my reality and our current worldly reality, the song continues with these hopeful lines, and more. 

 But the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir singing (peace on earth)
Does anybody hear them? (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

There is a quote, yes you can find it on Pinterest, which says "Peace is not the absence of chaos. It is the ability to be in the midst of things and still feel a sense of calm in your heart." This sense of calm could come from many sources, God, other people in your life, mantras, and other means. It comes from sources that can keep us grounded with our ever-changing environment and remind us of our true identity and calling.

The above verse is one of my favorites. It reminds me of when I was a young child in church, and the last words that my pastor would say were, "Peace be with you" and everyone at church would reply, "and also with you". Today  wherever we are, whatever we believe, may this farewell adage remain. May we wish peace on people and bless them with peace, and may we show goodwill (compassion, thoughtfulness, kindness) to others in this Christmas season. 

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.