Pathways Press.com

Written by Lola Childs from The Village Church.

 The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 means “God with us” and that is what hope sounds like. Our trip to Lahore, West Pakistan in 1960 had a noble purpose. My father, a civil engineer, was to build 12 inter-river link canals for water supply. My mother was to assist nurses in caring for malnourished babies. I was between 5 and 8 years of age when we moved there. I befriended a neighbor Pakistani girl and attended a Pakistani kindergarten. Experiences there were mixed—with occasional blessings and much shock. Our front door would open to a beggar with a bloody rag stuffed in an empty nasal cavity or in an ear opening. Sin, in a radical Muslim country, was punishable by removal of appendages. How fortunate we were to know God who forgives. Once, as we drove into the Old City looking very white, about ten men surrounded, lifted, and moved our car out of the way. Other unmentioned traumas would have devastating effects UNTIL the calls to prayer were drowned out by my turntable. I played the smooth, resonant Harry Belefonte 1958 rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and the lyrics (below) moved me. Jesus is the hope of this life and the next. Isaiah foretold it. Immanuel means God [is] with us.

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. I thought, as now this day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rung so long the 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 doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.