THE MESSAGE OF THE BELLS
By S. E. BURROW (1715) H A R K ! the Christmas bells are ringing! Pealing forth o’er hills and plains, Wakening the midnight stillness With the music of their strains. Harbingers o f welcome tidings, Echoing yet once again Song which angels in their gladness Sang at first with glad refrain. As I hush my soul to listen This is what I seem to hear In the songs the bells are pealing To the slowly-dying year: “ Banish ev’ry bitter passion, Bid each angry voice be still, Let the angels’ song possess thee— ‘Peace on earth, to man goodwill.’ “ Let the Past be all-sufficient For the bitterness o f strife, For the enmity that saddens, For the sin that mars the life. Let the Present find thee ready For the advent o f thy King, Let thy heart express its gladness In the song the angels sing. “Let the Future prove how truly Christ is born within thy breast; Living, moving, working in thee— Fill thy soul with perfect rest— ;; Purifying every motive, Hallowing each earnest plan, Bidding thee extend the message— ‘Peace on earth, Goodwill to man.’ ” Shall I be content to listen ? Shall I not the voice obey— Spread abroad the joyous tidings Whieh the bells to me convey—- Tidings o f a living Saviour Born the guilty to redeem? Yea, my voice shall swell the chorus O f the bright angelic theme.
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