Ring the Bells

Ring the Bells is a Christmas hymn and was written by Harry Bollback. 

Harry met Jesus at the age of 16 at Bible Camp, thanks to the influence of his Sunday School teacher. In December 1941, Harry met one of the most influential and important figures in his life, Word of Life Founder, Jack Wyrtzen. 

Harry's strong sense of patriotism led to his desire to serve his country, so after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In WWII he fought in the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa and was sent to China as part of a peacekeeping force before returning to the United States when the war ended.

 After returning home Harry resumed his friendship with Jack Wyrtzen and serving with Word of Life. In 1946, Harry met the love of his life, Mildred "Millie" Winkler. Millie had also begun working for Word of Life and she and Harry immediately hit it off. Harry and Millie were married for 72 years until her death on January 7, 2021.

 In 1949, Harry and Millie's daughter, Linda, was born, and in 1950 Harry graduated from the Philadelphia School of the Bible. Later that year they were accepted as missionaries with the South American Indian Mission, and in December they sailed from New York Harbor to share the Gospel with unreached tribal people in Brazil.

 Harry and Millie's son, Larry, was born in 1952 and later that year they were joined by one of Harry's dearest friends, Harold Reimer, serving in the interior of Brazil.

 After a furlough in 1955, during which Elizabeth, Harry and Millie's third child, was born, the Bollbacks returned to Brazil this time to start the ministry of Word of Life camps. In Atibaia, Harry and Harold Reimer began a Word of Life Youth Camp, followed shortly by a Word of Life Inn for adults. In 1958, Harry and Millie's youngest daughter, Suely, was born.

 After returning to the United States in 1969, Harry became the Co-Director of Word of Life and started the International Ministries outreach. Thanks to the blessing of God and the humble service of a "simple kid from Brooklyn", Word of Life is now in 81 countries around the world.

 

Harry also had an incredible love for music and wrote many Christian songs and musicals that were performed to millions of people around the world, sharing the good news of the Gospel.

 Harry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to thousands around the world. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Frair; son, Larry and his wife Cindi; his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband John (Nelson); his youngest daughter, Suely and her husband Brad (Cecil); his son-in-law Rick Warken; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He joins his beloved wife, Millie (1927-2021), and his eldest daughter Linda (Warken, 1949-2016) in the arms of his Heavenly Father.

 Harry was a proud member of VFW Post 5513 and American Legion Post 964 in Chestertown. He will be buried with full military honors along with his wife, Millie, on Tuesday, January 19 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. A memorial service is being planned for Harry at Word of Life on a date yet to be announced.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bollback Missionary Fund at Word of Life. Harry and Millie created this fund to bless and help missionaries, and it has been used for decades to fill financial gaps in Word of Life ministries around the world. 

To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Lyrics: 

Ring the bells, ring the bells, let the whole world know,
Christ was born in Bethlehem many years ago.
Born to die that man might live, came to earth new life to give,
Born of Mary, born so low, many years ago.
God the Father gave His Son, gave His own beloved One,
To the wicked sinful earth, to bring mankind His love, new birth.
 
Chorus
Ring the bells, ring the bells,
Let the whole world know
Christ the Savior lives today
As He did so long ago!
 
Ring the bells, ring the bells, what a glorious morn!
Men and angels worship Him, singing, Christ is born!
Born to die on Calvary, born to set His people free,
God Himself in human form, tell it! Christ is born.
He has left His royal throne, He has come to claim His own,
Christ the Lord has come to earth, go spread the news of Jesus' birth.