We have heard a joyful sound
As bell ringers we know that people can react in different ways to the sound of bells. There are those who are quite indifferent to the sound of bells, just one other sound among the many sounds that form part of the soundscape of their lives. They find it neither attractive nor annoying. We also know that some people do not like the sound of bells. They complain about the noise and will go out of their way to try and have the bells silenced. Other people enjoy the music of the bells and love to hear them being rung regularly. They find it a joyful sound, especially when the striking is good and the bells are being rung well. It is a sound that can lift people up from the everyday problems and struggles of life and bring a touch of gladness and joy to their hearts.
Bells are often rung to mark joyful events, such as a birth or a marriage. They are also rung to mark times of national rejoicing, such as the end of conflict, or the coronation of a monarch. The sound of bells ringing on Sunday is a joyful sound that calls people to gather for worship and rejoice in God. We can rejoice in God because of his love for the world in sending Jesus Christ his Son to be our Saviour. The Gospel is a joyful sound, good news that brings a message of hope to a world of sadness and grief. As the angels announced to the shepherds when the Saviour was born, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2:10)
Every time I hear the joyful sound of bells I am reminded of a gospel hymn by Priscilla Jane Owens.
We have heard a joyful sound, ‘Jesus saves!’
Spread the gladness all around, ‘Jesus saves!’
Bear the news to every land,
climb the steeps and cross the waves.
Onward! – ‘tis our Lord’s command. Jesus saves!
How do we respond to the joyful sound of the good news of Jesus Christ? We can remain indifferent to the message. We can close our ears and silence the sound of the gospel. Or we can welcome God’s salvation with gladness and gratitude, rejoicing in God our Saviour.
George G Cringles