Andy Williams - Christmas Bells Lyrics
Lyrics
Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king
Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the lord
Ring Christmas bells
Sound far and near
The birthday of
Jesus is here
Herald the news
To old and young
Tell it to all
In every tongue
Ring Christmas bells
Toll loud and long
Your message sweet
Heal and prolong
Come all you people
Join in the singing
Repeat the story
Told by the ringing
Ring, ring, and ring Christmas bells
Ring, ring, and ring Christmas bells
Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the lord
Ring Christmas bells
Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the lord
Ring Christmas bells
Sound far and near
The birthday of
Jesus is here
Herald the news
To old and young
Tell it to all
In every tongue
Ring Christmas bells
Toll loud and long
Your message sweet
Heal and prolong
Come all you people
Join in the singing
Repeat the story
Told by the ringing
Ring, ring, and ring Christmas bells
Ring, ring, and ring Christmas bells
Loudly proclaim
With one accord
The happy tale
Welcome the lord
Ring Christmas bells
Ring Christmas bells
Merrily ring
Tell all the world
Jesus is king
Video
Christmas Bells
Meaning & Inspiration
Andy Williams, a voice synonymous with holiday cheer, offers a profound spiritual reflection with his song "Christmas Bells," released on August 26, 2014. This particular offering, emerging posthumously, stands as a testament to the enduring power of his artistry and, more importantly, the timeless truth it conveys. Unlike many festive tunes that merely capture the secular joy of the season, this composition delves deep into the core spiritual narrative of Christmas, functioning as a clarion call rather than just a seasonal jingle. Its very essence invites us beyond superficial celebration to engage with the profound theological underpinnings of the Christian faith, making it a significant piece in the canon of sacred holiday music.
At its heart, "Christmas Bells" is an urgent and joyful declaration of Christ’s sovereignty and the paramount importance of His birth. The repeated motif of the bells ringing serves as an undeniable metaphor for the universal proclamation of the Gospel. It’s a call to "tell all the world Jesus is King," a powerful echo of prophecies and affirmations found throughout Scripture. From the angelic pronouncements at His birth to the ultimate revelation of His glorious return, the Bible consistently presents Jesus not merely as a prophet or teacher, but as the supreme ruler. Revelation 19:16 declares Him "King of kings and Lord of lords," a truth the song passionately embraces, urging a unified chorus to "loudly proclaim with one accord the happy tale, Welcome the Lord." This isn't a passive acceptance but an active, collective embrace of His divine authority and saving grace.
The song expands this initial proclamation into a clear mandate for global evangelism, urging the message to "sound far and near" and to be heralded "to old and young, tell it to all in every tongue." This vision perfectly aligns with the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where He commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." The birth of Jesus, celebrated here, is not a localized event but an epoch-making moment with universal implications, meant for every person, regardless of age, origin, or language. Luke 2:10 announces "good news of great joy for all the people," underscoring the inclusive and expansive nature of Christ’s redemptive work. The ringing bells symbolize this unfettered spread of the good news, piercing through geographical and cultural boundaries to reach every corner of the earth.
Beyond mere announcement, the message carried by these figurative bells is described as "sweet," holding the power to "heal and prolong." This is a profound theological statement on the transformative and eternal nature of the Gospel. In Scripture, God’s word is frequently associated with healing and life. Psalm 107:20 states, "He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from their destruction." Similarly, Isaiah 53:5 speaks of healing found in Christ’s suffering: "by his wounds we are healed." The "prolonging" effect can be understood both in terms of spiritual restoration in this life and the promise of eternal life offered through faith in Christ. John 3:16, a cornerstone of Christian belief, assures us that whoever believes in Him "shall not perish but have eternal life." The message of Christmas, therefore, is not a fleeting seasonal sentiment but a life-giving, soul-healing truth designed to endure forever.
Finally, "Christmas Bells" extends a heartfelt invitation to participate, to "come all you people, join in the singing, repeat the story told by the ringing." This emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and worship, encouraging active engagement rather than passive reception. The act of "repeating the story" is crucial for spiritual legacy, mirroring the biblical imperative to teach future generations about God’s mighty deeds. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to "impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The song beautifully frames the Christmas narrative not as an ancient historical account, but as a living, breathing story that requires continuous retelling and communal celebration to maintain its vibrancy and impact across time.
In its entirety, Andy Williams' "Christmas Bells" transcends its musical form to serve as a powerful spiritual anthem. It is a compelling call to recognize Jesus Christ as King, to spread the joyful news of His birth globally, to embrace the healing and eternal life offered through His message, and to participate actively in the ongoing narrative of faith. This song stands as a vibrant reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the joyful, unified, and continuous proclamation of God’s redeeming love, resonating like those eternal bells, drawing all humanity into the worship of our Lord. It is a profound piece that encourages all who encounter it to not just hear the bells, but to embody their message, making the good news known "in every tongue" for generations to come.