Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Hymn

During this season where we celebrate the birth of Christ, I have found this hymn to be encouraging. It is one of my favorite Christmas hymns--what a great reminder that during a time where people are killing each other, there is much hate, "God is NOT dead, nor doth he sleep" May you be encouraged by it as well. I have included the history of the song at the bottom.


I heard the bells on Christmas day,

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men



I thought how, as the day had come,


The belfries of all Christendom


Had rolled along, th'un broken song


Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And in despair I bowed my head:


"There is no peace on earth" I sald,


"For hate is strong, and mocks the song


Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill to men"




Tilll, ringing, singing on its way,


The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

,
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men




Written in 1864 by Henry Longfellow. His wife, while cooking dinner, managed to catch her

dress on fire from the stove. Unable to put it out, the rest of the house caught fire, burned 

down and Henry's wife perished. In addition to this, he was informed that his son who was

 serving in the union army (without his fathers blessing) was severely wounded. In despair at

 Christmas time while walking outside, he heard bells ringing nearby pealing a Christmas

hymn. Pulled from his slump and given new encouragement, he was inspired to write this 

hymn of peace on earth and goodwill to men.


Edit: Sadly, I cannot remember the source to this story . A lengthier version is available  by doing a simple Google search.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Christmas Singing, Cindy Woodsmall



I was excited when I found that this book was  available for review—and just in time for the Christmas season as well! Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite authors, and this book does not disappoint. It is a wonderful warming story of love and romance.

When Mattie’s fiancĂ© breaks up with her on Christmas Eve, she moves away to open her own cake shop. When tragedy strikes, she is forced to make some major decisions. Will reuniting with her former fiancĂ©, Gideon, reveal the truth about what happened or will it drive them further apart? Enjoy this story that is sure to warm your heart.

I have greatly enjoyed this story. Anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction is sure to enjoy this as well. Curl up in front of the fire with a warm blanket and you will not want to put it down! 


This book was provided free of charge in exchange for a review by Waterbrook Multnomah. I am not required to write a positive review.