Bells—Symbol of Christmas
by Annie Yorty
Doorbells announce. Warning bells alarm. School bells remind. Chimes of all kinds serve an important purpose. One of my favorites, church bells, call people to worship. At Christmas, they proclaim the birth of Jesus. How did bells become a symbol of Christmas?
My Tradition of Bells as a Symbol of Christmas
Two tiny bells adorn my Christmas tree every year. When I was a kid, I would always hope to hang at least one of these special ornaments on our family’s tree. My childish fingers would carefully clasp the already decades-old bell by its faded green satin ribbon and shake it gently, holding it to my ear to hear the clapper tinkle against the ceramic sound bow. In a family with six children, I’m not sure how I ended up with both of these treasures in my possession as an adult, but I enjoy these bells from my past as a symbol of Christmas every year when I decorate.
A Song About Bells at Christmas
This year I found an old carol I had never heard before. “Why Do Bells for Christmas Ring,” written by Lydia A. C. Ward over one hundred years ago, explains why bells are a fitting symbol of Christmas.
Once a lovely, shining star, seen by shepherds from afar,
Gently moved until its light made a manager-cradle bright.
There a darling baby lay pillowed soft upon the hay.
And his mother sang and smiled, “This is Christ, the holy child.”
On that first Christmas, no bells pealed on earth to announce Jesus’ birth. But in lonely fields to shepherds huddled against the night under a starry sky, angels sang the good news.
But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” (Luke 2:10 NLT)
These days, angels rarely appear to people in this way. But on Christmas, to imitate the first heavenly birth announcement, bells peal from church towers and spread the joy to all within earshot.
Ward’s short song concludes with a verse that challenges us.
Therefore bells at Christmas ring,
Therefore little children sing,
Therefore little children sing.
Jesus did more than challenge us to share His good news. In His last words before ascending into heaven after His resurrection from the dead, He commanded His followers to carry out the gospel mission in His absence.
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16 NLT)
Jesus knew we would need help to accomplish this compassionate feat. That’s why He gives each follower His Holy Spirit as a constant presence to guide.
“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” (John 15:27 NLT)
Are you a follower of Jesus?
Imitate Bells, Symbol of Christmas
As His disciples, we must ring out the good news of Christmas every day. I pray for the dire warning of condemnation in Mark to prick our hearts for every person we meet so that our words and actions announce hope and joy to all within our realm. Family members, coworkers, friends, strangers, and even enemies need the message that our Savior can be born into their hearts.
Family members, coworkers, friends, strangers, and even enemies need the message that our Savior can be born into their hearts. Click To TweetJoin the conversation:
How does your life ring the good news of Jesus?
I welcome your comments!
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Ordinary Moms of Extraordinary Kids
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Annie Yorty is an ordinary mom who has been mothering an extraordinary daughter with Down syndrome for many years. She is learning to rely on God to supply the “extra” to her ordinary parenting.
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Copyright ©2022 Annie Yorty
Gifts—Symbol of Christmas
10 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Another terrific post Ms. Annie. Upon our salvation, and throughout our sanctification, God equips us to help the world hear and see Jesus through our redeemed lives. Our lives should not reflect one of sacrifice and doing without, but one that has found a way to travel through this world, with peace, love, and joy that transcends all this world can offer. We are sanctified, set apart, so that we may be salt and light in this world. If the world perceives us as having a better life, then they’ll want to understand why. Amen my friend. Praying you continue to ring loudly in the coming year sweet friend.
Annie Yorty
J.D., as usual, you’ve added a new dimension to the conversation. Most people who don’t know God think He wants them to give up “fun.” But you’re right, God is all about adding so much to our lives that we overflow. When all His people chime together, what a beautiful sound we make. I’m glad you’re in the bell choir too!
Katherine Pasour
I’m a little late reading your Christmas bell message, but I never tire of Christmas so it is a treat for me to read this on the second day of the New Year. Thank for for sending this Christmas message of Joy. Wishing you a healthy, happy, and blessed 2023, Annie.
Annie Yorty
Blessings to you too, Katherine, for the new year!
Sylvia Schroeder
I’m a little late on this, but interestingly enough I read I just finished a book about the song, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day,” and so bells seem to popping out everywhere. Loved it! Thank you for reminding me of the message that needs to be heard this New Year!
Annie Yorty
I, too, had something like that happen. After I had written this, I watched the movie I Heard the Bells put out by Sight and Sound. That was excellent. Happy new year to you, Sylvia!
Yvonne Morgan
Beautiful message Annie. I love the music from the Bell’s of Christmas. Very important for us to ring out the good news of Christ.
Annie Yorty
Absolutely, Yvonne. We need to lift our voices together to share God’s message. Blessings to you!
Jen Knight
As soon as I saw your picture of the bells I was taken back to my grandmothers house. I have loved this series and the memories it has brought back, but also the reminder of why they were there.
Annie Yorty
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it, Jen. Thanks for visiting and happy new year!