“Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.” -The Polar Express
Bells are synomous at Christmastide- from Jingle Bells to church bells to ding dong-ing merrily on high. My best friend and I used to tie jingle bells to our tennis shoes at Christmastime and jingle all the way.
Bells symbolize the lost who find their way. "Sheep were found by the ring of long ago. Reminding us today of how we are called home to the Fold, symbolizing God’s guidance and return."
Once, for a school program, I had to memorize and recite Henry Wadsworth Longellow's poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Written December 25, 1864, I failed to understand the words then, but tear up now when I hear it:
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play and mild and sweet, the words repeat of Peace on Earth, good will to men. But in despair I hung 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 rang 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."