I recently felt inspired to write a song calling for peace and a sense of urgency to release it before Christmas. It is not a Christmas song. It is an angry song about peace, but in a good way.

The call for peace and nonviolence as opposed to violence and war is universal, so there is no political or religious agenda in this video. That said, I am challenged by the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be known as children of God”. So, I ask myself the question: What can I do to further the cause of peace?

Spread the message of peace. If you resonate with what this song says, share the video freely with your friends.

Break the silence
Confront the madness
Make the voice of reason heard

Crush the hatred
with ruthless kindness
Let your love be the last word

Peace on the Earth
Peace on the Earth

Stop the violence
of cold indifference
Too much goes on that we allow

Pierce the darkness
with fierce compassion
Beat the drum of justice NOW!

Peace on the Earth
Peace on the Earth

Publishing:Music by Kelly Carpenter. Words by Kelly Carpenter and Scott Burnett.
© 2010 KelSongs / Kelly Carpenter Music (ASCAP) / Scott A. Burnett. All rights reserved.

Recording credits: Kelly Carpenter Vocals, programming, rhythm guitars/Scott Burnett Guitar solos/ Merrilyn CarpenterAdditional vocals/University Presbyterian Church (UPC) Gospel Choir Additional vocals./Recorded December 2010 at Avondale, except guitar solos and choir recorded at UPC. This recording Ⓟ KelSongs / Kelly Carpenter Music. All rights reserved.

My friend, Scott Burnett, and I have collaborated many times over the years. This song started out with some lyric ideas he emailed me. It had a very celtic vibe to it. I got inspired and came up with some music, added a few lines here and there, and asked Scott to come up with a second verse. And there you are, enjoy!

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Merciful God, surround us
Untangle the stress, defuse the fear
Merciful God, surround us
Embrace us in your care

Encircle us with hope, each day, each night
Encircle us with light, each day, each night
Before us and behind us
To the left and right

Merciful God, redeem us
Make a new way, open a door
Merciful God, redeem us
Speak tenderly once more

Publishing: Words and Music by Kelly Carpenter and Scott Burnett.
© 2010 KelSongs / Kelly Carpenter Music (ASCAP) / Scott A. Burnett. All rights reserved.*

Recording credits: Kelly Carpenter/All instruments and vocals. Recorded May 2010 at Avondale. Unauthorized duplication of recording is prohibited.

* If you are interested in recording this song, please contact KelSongs directly to obtain a mechanical license.