"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th'unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will 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, good will to men.' 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.

Meteorologists and Hijacked Language

     Language is an interesting thing. The ever-evolving definitions of old words and the introductions of new words in a language are fascinating. (Words like strategery and friending come to mind.) My recent encounter with a "Winter Storm Warning" has led me to a brief examination of the changing meanings of words in the English language, specifically American English.
     Meteorology is an area of study that many have yet to understand. It has often been said that the weatherman's job is perhaps the easiest owing to his ability to always be wrong, but remain employed in his area of "expertise." Nonetheless, I wonder how meteorology has contributed to the American English vocabulary ways.
    For example, I believe the word "warning" used to mean something more. I'm not blaming the National Weather Service for dumbing down the term. After all, the Department of Homeland Security might also be held in partial responsibility. In modern times, the word "warning" has evolved into a passing comment on something that might happen. For example, a tornado warning in southwest Missouri no longer means a tornado is on the ground. (In fact, a tornado warning may be issued for a small "hook echo" found on the radar image.) However, in the past the term carried more weight. A "warning" from a parent, for example, caused personal alarm and discomfort.
     I wonder, then, what other words will change in the near future. This age of helicopter parenting and extreme caution has taken away power from once potent words. Will new words have to be introduced into the American English vocabulary in order to accurately portray certain messages? Perhaps strong blizzards in the future will lead to the declaration of "Potential Wintery Disaster" by the National Weather Service. Anyways... It's something to ponder.

A Stranger with a Story & Cash without Explanation

     Tonight, I took a train into Chicago. My trips into the city are always enjoyable and each trip has its unique moments. This evening produced a unique moment involving a man begging for money outside Union Station. My encounter with the man prompted me to think more deeply about humanization and salvation. The brief encounter went as follows...
  
     I walk out of Union Station in search of my friend. Before I have the opportunity to reach into my pocket in order to retrieve my cell phone and call my friend, a man approaches me. The man appears to be close to my age and is smoking a cigarette. He begins to tell me how he is not from the Chicago area. Apparently his bus from Madison dropped him off in Chicago, but proceeded to transport his luggage to his house in Indiana. The individual then requests $11 for a bus ticket. (I was skeptical of his story from the beginning.) Nonetheless, I reach into my wallet and handed over a couple of dollar bills. He had told me in the brief conversation that he would pay me back if I gave him my mailing address. I tell him not to worry about it. The man then walks up to another guy and begins to retell his story. I carry on with life and proceed to call my friend to find her location.
  
     I almost immediately considered my failure to mention my faith in Jesus Christ. In addition, I began questioning whether I gave the man some cash with the pure intention of helping him. (Perhaps I gave the guy some money simply to get him away from me.) These thoughts led to deeper questions concerning the effectiveness of holistic ministries in proclaiming the message of the gospel.
     Many attribute the following statement to St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel always, if necessary, use words." I disagree. How is the recipient of Christian service to hear the gospel, if it is not presented with words? As a Christian, I handed a stranger some money. That stranger has no idea that I am a Christian. I failed to communicate in word the love of Jesus Christ that compelled me to show compassion.
     I'm still pondering the issues that arose in my mind tonight. However, I believe the experience was a good reminder of the necessity of communicating the gospel in word, not only good deeds.