(Christmas Carol: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day) Sermon by Dave Weidlich, Grace Community Church San Francisco, Dec 22, 2024.
Should we not expect Christmas to be a time of peace and good will?
Are we wrong to expect that Jesus came to bring peace on earth?

Luke 2:1-14 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play;
In music sweet the tones repeat,
“There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

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 does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near
Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

Listen: Casting Crowns – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Listen: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Acapella) – Doxology

The Story Of Carols | “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”

More Sermons:

What Are You Expecting? Isaiah 9:6-7 – Dec 8, 2024
Grateful for the Years – Psalm 90 – Nov 24, 2024

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am
at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse,
350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127.
Contact Me for more info.