A Christmas Wish

Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, the season is generally associated with what I'd refer to as Hallmark moments: images of fireplaces, decorated trees, happy family gatherings, what have you, with a holiday soundtrack of festive & joyful carols, etc.

Reality is very different for a lot of us this season. Why this is so is a different story for each person.

 and for those of you in this category (including yours truly), I share some of the lyrics of a Christmas song written the Civil War.

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,

and wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Skipping past some lyrics referring to the war:

"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."