Go Tell it on the Mountain!
The simple, calming and mysterious ring of the bells still echo in my mind. Each night around sunset, songs rang from the top steeple of the Lutheran Church, which sat directly adjacent to our condominium.
Growing up hearing those church bells ring, I knew little more than they must have been broadcasting sacred music. For those particular songs did not ring out in our synagogue.
Yet my understanding changed dramatically when I met the Prince of Peace, Jesus, personally, at the age of 23! By His grace I had become a Christian. And now those sweet songs of praise to the Savior were no longer mysterious to me. Rather, they moved me, for I could relate!
As I have periodically visited my mother in Treasure Island, Florida, over the years during Christmastime, one of the simple joys I’ve had is to hear to those bells continue to ring out praise like clockwork. For the church is still there and the songs continue to emanate from that high place. While visiting during holiday seasons, I have sweet memories of those church bells ringing out Christmas Carols.
Fast forward to Christmastime 2024! I thoroughly enjoy Christmas music as I rejoice in the One who saved me 37 years ago this month!
As I ponder the simplicity and profundity of the Savior’s birth in light of those church bells, these words from the song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” come to mind:
The shepherds feared and trembled.
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Saviour’s birth:
Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Here’s a link to an awesome rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by Needtobreathe.
In the midst of the chaos, pandemonium and madness of our present day, may we take opportunities this Christmastime and beyond to go and tell others that there is hope. The Prince of Peace, Jesus, was born, died for our sins and rose again, making a way for us to be at peace with God and experience the peace of God! And it is He who truly makes all the difference in the world. Merry Christmas!
“How beautiful upon the mountains, are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation.” – Isaiah 52:7