We are so blessed by our Voices of Hope Children’s Choir! Here they are performing their rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” accompanied by the Hour of Power Choir and Orchestra.
This beautiful anthem was developed in 1955, with the words written by Jill Jackson and the melody by her husband, Sy Miller. Jill, after having experienced a sharp dip in her depression which led to her attempted — and failed — suicide, her heart then opened wide and willing to God’s unconditional love. She discovered from that moment on that she has a purpose, and her life and talent for music were valuable.
A decade later, Sy and Jill went to a California retreat in the mountains where they met an array of young people with various socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. This week-long retreat was dedicated to exploring friendship through education and conversation. Introducing their song to these young people, Sy and Jill were pleased to see them all lock arms and fall in love with the lyrics.
Let there be peace on Earth
And let it begin with me.
Sharing these lyrics with the individuals at the retreat allowed for them to discover the importance of overcoming boundaries of society. Friendship and love knows no bounds, and this understanding is an origin of peace.
With God our creator,
Family all are we.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.
The simplicity of the song’s meaning — peace on Earth begins with you — allowed for each of these young individuals to share the song with others, creating a ripple effect of peace and understanding all around the world. The song then went on to be recorded by multiple vocal artists, including Pat Boone, Mahalia Jackson, and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
“Let There Be Peace on Earth” is a musical example of the harmony we strive for every day. And to have these words of peace sung by the young voices of this generation on Hour of Power is truly a blessing.
