In 1956, Bing Crosby released probably the most timeless and popular rendition of the classic Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” But did you know that the lyrics for the song were penned nearly a century before, during one of the darkest times in American history?
American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “Christmas Bells” in 1864 during the Civil War. And the story of the tragic circumstances that led him to write the poem is the inspiration behind the film “I Heard the Bells,” which begins streaming on Pure Flix starting November 8.
"We discovered this beautiful story that came out of one of the nation's darkest time periods, which was the Civil War, and it's a poem, and it's really a diary entry about the protagonist, Henry Longfellow, and his whole journey of faith,” said “I Heard the Bells” co-writer and director Josh Enck.
“And we thought there are a lot of people who can relate to this man who had it all, lost it all, and had it come back again and be redeemed through, in this case, the symbol of a bell ringing out more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor does he sleep."
Longfellow was one of the most widely known poets of the 19th century, but when his wife died in a tragic fire in 1861, he struggled to find the words to write anymore. To make matters worse, his son, Charles, ran away to join the Union army against Longfellow’s wishes in 1863. Charles was severely wounded in battle.
Broken, alone, and drowning in grief, Longfellow wrestled with how to align his tragic circumstances with his Christian faith. Thankfully, a familiar sound at Christmas reminded him of God’s grace and eventually restored his hope—and faith.
"I think as an actor, the ability to struggle is what everyone relates to,” said Stephen Atherhold, who plays Longfellow in the film. “We all have trials in this life. When you are not willing to give in. When you say, 'I know there is hope on the other side,' even though Henry couldn't see it. We all long for that. And to be able to find that hope with him as a character was a beautiful journey."
Longfellow spent the next few years putting his life back together, and the rest of his years writing and translating other works. By the time he died in 1882, his words had a far-reaching impact, touching lives worldwide.
And that’s exactly what the film “I Heard the Bells” aspires to do.
"The final words of the song are peace on earth, good will to men. And those words are not original to Henry. They are original to scripture. And they are the reason we celebrate Christmas, because Christ really did come to give us peace on earth,” said actress Rachel Day Hughes, who plays Longfellow’s wife, Fanny, in the film.
“So, if there is anybody out there that is walking through a story of grief this Christmas, it is my hope that this film inspires you as you watch Henry's journey to reclaim the truth of those words over his life, that it inspires you to do the same.”
“I Heard the Bells” is streaming on Great American Pure Flix November 8. Mark your calendars get ready to be filled with hope this Christmas as this incredible story comes to life!
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