Category: books, literature, arts

Longfellow’s Christmas Bells

On December 25, 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a grief-stricken father, wrote “Christmas Bells” to express his inner turmoil during the Civil War. He faced personal tragedies, including the death of two wives and his son’s injuries. The poem contrasts despair with hope, ultimately affirming faith in peace and goodness.

updated December 11, 2025

On Friday, December 25, 1863, Longfellow—as a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself—wrote a poem seeking to capture the dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him that Christmas Day.

Justin Taylor

Christmas Bells

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day"
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet-Graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, an affiliate link

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote prolifically, creating one of the greatest collections of American poetry, depicting the history of the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. He published his first poem at 13 years old.

Henry’s first marriage ended tragically with his wife Mary’s death from complications of a miscarriage. He sank into suicidal depression after her death.

He found happiness with his second wife, Fanny, with whom he had six children. Again, tragedy struck when she was severely burned by candle wax and died soon after. Henry was burned trying to help her and may have grown his well-known beard to hide the scars on his face.

During the American Civil War, his son Charley fought for the Union; he suffered severe wounds, and his father cared for him until he recovered. During this time, Henry wrote Christmas Bells, which laments that “hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth” but then concludes with

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!”

Henry W Longfellow

Despite, and perhaps due to his family’s medical challenges, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote poetry that touched people’s hearts and minds then and now.

Go here to read The True Story of Pain and Hope behind this beloved Christmas carol.

Christmas tree, statues of old man and a boy
photo by Dr. Aletha

What is Advent?

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

Many families observe Advent with Bible readings, lighting candles, songs, and stories to remind them of the events leading up to the birth of Christ as told in the New Testament. (these are affiliate links for you to consider and help support this blog with a commission on any purchases you make while reviewing)

sharing the HEART of health

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Dr. Aletha

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App.

With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

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Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol

Here is a post about Charles Dickens, a renowned English writer, of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Pickwick Papers.” His storytelling introduced terms like Pickwickian syndrome, reflecting his influence on culture and health. Dickens also advocated for children’s hospitals through powerful speeches, merging his literary talent with social responsibility .

Charles Dickens, English writer, wrote some of the most beloved and quoted literature in English. Almost everyone is familiar with his Christmas classic,

 A Christmas Carol

has been portrayed on stage and in film – even animated versions.

What would Christmas be without Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghosts, and Tiny Tim?

Dickens also wrote The Pickwick Papers

Another Dickens book created the name for a medical condition –

Pickwickian syndrome: The combination of obesity, somnolence (sleepiness), hypoventilation (underbreathing), and plethoric (red) face.

The syndrome is so named because of the “fat and red-faced boy in a state of somnolency” that Charles Dickens described in his novel, The Pickwick Papers. (The same boy is thought by some experts possibly to have had the Prader-Willi syndrome).

Dickens may have been the “first celebrity medical spokesman.” 

 Dickens delivered a rousing speech on the plight of ill children and the need to support the children’s hospital. As an extra bonus, the author threw in a reading of his beloved “A Christmas Carol.” The journalist T.A. Reed, said of Dickens’ performance that night, “I never heard him, or reported him, with so much pleasure … his speech was magnificent.”

pbs.org
I will honor Christmas in my heart. Charles Dickens
graphic from LIGHTSTOCK.COM, affiliate link

What is Advent?

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

Many families observe Advent with Bible readings, lighting candles, songs, and stories to remind them of the events leading up to the birth of Christ as told in the New Testament. (these are affiliate links for you to consider and help support this blog with a commission on any purchases you make while reviewing)

Sharing the HEART of Advent

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha