Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth...Or Not?

            This time of year, thoughts turn to the holidays and spending time with family and friends. Kids are getting ready for the visit from Santa. Adults rush around finishing preparations; workplace parties; family get-togethers and so on.

            Everywhere you go, you will hear Christmas carols. While most bring up images of crisp, snowy days, traditional holiday images, visits from Santa or the Grinch, or reminding us of the birth of Christ, one carol stands out. The carol was originally a poem written during the U.S. Civil War, hardly a festive time for most.

            The song reminds us that peace on earth does not come easily and starts off with a gloomy outlook. By the end, though, the carol reminds us that right will prevail over evil. The carol, if you don’t recognize it yet, is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It reminds me of the all the people in law enforcement, in the military and even security who are protecting us each and every day. A true thin blue line that keeps evil at bay and strives to make sure that in the end, right does prevail over evil.

            This Christmas, take a moment to think of all those who protect us, especially working the holiday and missing family time to keep us safe. Take a moment to read over the lyrics, from an updated version of this classic, and think about the reminder to us all – stand up against evil.

 

 

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And the bells are ringing
Like a choir they're singing


In my heart I hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill to men

But the bells are ringing
Like a choir singing

Does anybody hear them?
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
Peace on earth, peace on earth
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And the bells, they're ringing
Like a choir they're singing

And with our hearts we'll hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

Do you hear the bells, they're ringing?
The life the angels singing

Open up your heart and hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

            For more Christmas security tips, visit:

            Twas the Week Before Christmas…

            The 12 Crimes of Christmas

 

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

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