After his son Charles was wounded in the Civil War, Longfellow wrote "Christmas Bells." Although the country was still at war when Longfellow penned the poem, he expressed faith that peace would come. The poem is about a soldier who hears bells ringing in the church and thinks of his home back in America. His thoughts turn to those who will be waiting for him at home and the pain of missing them fills him with tears. Then he remembers that now is not his time, so he puts away his sorrow and moves on toward more heroic acts in the war. The poem is filled with images of coldness and death as well as joy and hope. It also contains words that express beliefs common at the end of the 19th century such as patriotism, courage, and charity. These are all values that we need today as much as ever before. Through poetry, music, and art, Christmas Bells brings comfort to those who have been through suffering and inspires others to be better people. —Christmas Bells website Written by an American in France, this poem is considered one of the best poems about the Christmas season.