Day 4: Bells

"I Heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old familiar carols play, And mild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men." 

You'll hear me say over and over how beautiful the symbols of Christmas can be when we understand their meaning and allow them to flood our hearts and minds with thoughts of Christ. The wonderful thing about bells is they can do it whether you understand their meaning or not. If you've never heard old church bells ringing, inviting all to come and learn of Christ, you should put it on your list of things to experience. There is a certain power bells carry in ringing out their message. 

In times before phones and other faster forms of communication, the church bells would act as a communication device. Someone was getting married? The bells invited you to the wedding. It was almost time for services? Just listen for the bells. During times of war, the bells on churches would act as warnings for communities to hide or flee if an attack was coming. 

During Christmas, bells are everywhere to remind us of the invitation Christ has offered us. To come unto Him. He calls out to come to service in His behalf. He invites us to the wedding feast, which contains the living water and bread of life. The bells symbolize His mission, His purpose here on earth. To free us from the chains of sin and enable us to return to live with Him in our Father's presence. 

"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'. 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."

I love the words of that song. God is not dead, He doth not sleep in His work to bring about our salvation. We will prevail in His service as we emulate the life He lived offering peace on earth and good will to men. As we hear the bells ring out this Christmas; in song, in decorations, and even from Santa's sleigh, let's remember the joyous news they bring. Christ was born in Bethlehem and He lived and died for us. Let their call awake in our souls a renewed desire to serve Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.