Christmas, Peace & John Lennon

Christmas, Peace and John Lennon

Today marks the anniversary of the death of the greatest musician of the 20th century, John Lennon. Though not a believer in Jesus he did grasp, ironically, some of the import of the message of the Babe from Bethlehem. One of my favorite "secular" songs for Christmas was written by Lennon in 1971 and it reached #2 on the charts. It is stirring and I find myself singing it over and over. I think this song is just as "prophetic" now as it was when I was a little kid.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon


"Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9.6-7, NIV)

"He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Micah 4.3, NRSV)

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good wil [sic] towards men." (Luke 2.14, KJV)

Shalom,
Bobby Valentine