[beyond the sea]

I hestitate to change this thread into something else, but I think you're right. There is too much emphasis being placed on death. It happens everyday.

I beg to differ. This thread I began is intended to be about faith............. and dealing with very deep family pain.

And, a loss in this season ...............

[prisoner6]

God give strength and comfort to the Dungy family

From "Christmas Bells"

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!

As with any composition that touches the heart of the hearer, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" flowed from the experience of Longfellow-- involving the tragic death of his wife Fanny and the crippling injury of his son Charles from war wounds.

prisoner6