Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday

(TOP will pause for a few days for Christmas, as we do every year)

Bronzino, Adoration of the Shepherds, 1539–40

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!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom     
     Had rolled along     
     The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,     
     A voice, a chime,     
     A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each foul, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,     
     And with the sound     
     The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,     
     And made forlorn     
     The households born
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 doth He sleep;     
     The Wrong shall fail,     
     The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

—Longfellow

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Happy holidays to all of us, each and every one, however you celebrate; and God bless and keep you and your family. Thanks for stopping here, and see you before next year.

Mike

Comments

[Stephen S. Mack]

And God bless you and your family, too, Mike!

[Lynn]

Merry Christmas, Mike. I hope you enjoy a well deserved rest, and recharge your batteries.. from what I've read it's more than a bit cold in your parts so stay safe and warm.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts in 2023.