How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, who announces salvation. Isaiah 52 : 7

When I was growing up, there was a church on the corner that tolled its bells every Sunday and Christmas day. Our Christmas carols are filled with bells : The Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells, and Silver Bells. Bells are traditional ways of setting a tone of solemnity, calling us to service, celebrating the end of war, and ringing in the New Year with hope. In The Polar Express, only the lead character retains the childlike faith to hear the sweet sound of Santa’s sleigh bell as he grows older. When Prince William and Katherine were married in London, church bells tolled for a full three hours afterwaed. Yet, Christmas marks an even more historic marriage – the wedding of heaven to earth, the union of God and humanity. Let us rejoice today as bells toll our freedom in Christ, our service to the gospel, and the hope reflected in Longfellow’s poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day: “Peace on earth, good will to all.”

Activity: Ring your bell ornaments and any other bells or chimes you have this morning to celebrate the new day of Christ’s birth.

Prayer: Loving Father, we celebrate the bells of Christmas Day, for they joyfully proclaim your coming and the promise of peace.