Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ‎#214

214. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.”

4. 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.”

5. 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!

Text Information

• First Line: I heard the bells on Christmas day
• Title: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807–1882
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:14
• Topic: Christmas
• Notes: Additional scripture reference from LDS canon: Doctrine and Covenants 3:1-3

Tune Information

• Name: [I heard the bells on Christmas day]
• Composer: John Baptiste Calkin, 1827–1905
• Incipit: 13233 43445 17665
• Key: E♭ Major