Sermon Central
-
One Man Who Learned To Experience The Peace Of ...
Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 31, 2011 (message contributor)
One man who learned to experience the peace of God was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For the famous American poet and author, life was well. After the death of his first wife, he met Francis Appleton. He courted her for seven years! She finally said yes! Longfellow experienced fame and success. He earned an excellent income from his literary works.
Fanny and Henry had six children and lived comfortably. When President Lincoln was elected, Longfellow and his wife were elated over the election of Abraham Lincoln which he thought would bring peace and freedom to the nation.
The following year, Civil War began. On July 9, 1861, in the early days of the war, Fanny was sealing locks of her daughter's hair using hot wax. Henry was asleep in the next room. Suddenly, he awoke to Fanny's screams. He rushed into the room to find Fanny engulfed in flames. Longfellow covered the flames with a rug that was too small, burning his own hands and face. Fannie died about 12 hours later. Henry was too badly injured to attend her funeral.
His face so badly burned that he could no longer shave. His heavy white beard becoming a trademark of his persona.
His diaries tell the story of his life:
Christmas Day, 1861: "How inexpressibly sad are the holidays"
Christmas Day, 1862: A merry Christmas say the children, but that is no more for me"
in 1863 his son ran away to join the Union Army. He returned in December badly injured. There is no journal entry for 1863.
But on Christmas Day, 1864, Longfellow sat down to try to capture, if possible, the joy of the season. He began a poem...
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.
As he came to the third stanza, he reflected on his world. War. Gettysburg. His son. So many young men had died....
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."
But until Jesus comes again and enforces His rule, peace is something that comes to us one heart at a time.
Longfellow continued his poem...
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."
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.
In invite you today to discover Peace with God, and to believe that the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross were necessary to settle your estrangement from God. Believe in Him today and discover his peace!
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Wealthy Businessman, Who Was Well Known For ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 8, 2005
A wealthy businessman, who was well known for being ruthless and unethical, told Mark Twain that before he died, he wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He said that when he got there he wanted to climb to the top of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and there read ...read more
-
A Little Boy Was Standing By His Father Watching ...
Contributed by Kent Kessler on Dec 27, 2006
A little boy was standing by his father watching him trying to put a floppy disk into his computer. The father was having trouble getting the disk to go in all of the way. The little boy said to his father, “Maybe it has a penny in it?” Sure enough, when the father fished around inside where the ...read more
-
After A Forest Fire In Yellowstone National Park, ... PRO
Contributed by James Botts on Sep 10, 2002
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Startled by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. ...read more
-
Rick Warren Writes In "The Purpose Driven Life," ... PRO
Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Nov 30, 2004
Rick Warren writes in “The Purpose Driven Life,” “I have been at the bedside of many people in their final moments, when they stand on the edge of eternity, and I have never heard anyone say, “Bring me my diplomas! I want to look at them one more time. Show me my awards, my medals, that gold watch ...read more
-
Don't Think That There Is Any Better Answer To ...
Contributed by David Smith on Apr 21, 2005
don’t think that there is any better answer to that question than the one given by the great painter Renoir. In old age the great French painter, suffered from arthritis, which twisted and cramped his hand. Henri Matise, his artist friend, watched sadly while Renoir, grasping a brush with only his ...read more
Related Sermons
-
"'the' Birthday Celebration
Contributed by Maria Saunders on Dec 22, 2016
It’s poor etiquette to attend a party and don’t bring the host/honoree a gift. We should feel privileged to receive an invitation to attend. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we bring the right gifts to the honoree.
-
The Sunday After Christmas Sermon Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2015
How did Christmas 2014 feel to you? Maybe your Christmas wasn’t all you expected. Now that Christmas is over, maybe the excitement has passed and life is already returning to some kind of normal. Whatever normal might be in your life!
-
Lessons Learned From Wise Men
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 5, 2013
Some important lessons can be learned form
-
A Light In The Darkness
Contributed by Danny Janes on Dec 10, 2012
Good sermon for first Sunday of Advent -- lighting of Prophet Candle. The theme of light vs. darkness is woven throughout the Bible. This is what the coming of the Light marked in our world.
-
The True Meaning Of Christmas
Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 27, 2016
What is the meaning of Christmas. We enjoy the festivities, the gift-giving, the pageants and decorations. But they veil the real meaning of Christmas. Join is Sunday as Pastor Sligh preaches on the “The True Meaning of Christmas."
