Peace misunderstood: John Lennon’s false message of hope

In 1971, John Lennon asked his audience to envision a world without political borders, greed, starvation, murder and a host of other things the singer recognized as contrary to peace. This song, “Imagine,” includes religion as an enemy of world unity. The same year, Lennon released “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” a piece declaring Christmas as a holiday of unification.  

It is simple to dismiss this song as just another Christmas radio magnet declaring peace over all the world, but the versatility of Lennon’s songwriting allows “Happy Xmas” to function perfectly as an anti-war anthem, using Christmas as a prop to inspire togetherness. By 1971, the civil battle of those for and against American involvement in the Vietnam conflict had simmered down from the extreme tensions of the late 1960s. Lennon remained entrenched in the battle against the Vietnam War, using his platform to protest military action well into the 1970s, even though his bold young audience seemed to be losing motivation, as noted by TheCollector.com.  

 By 1972, “Happy Xmas” became widely popular in the United States and the U.K. Songfacts.com reports that the song even clinched the no. 4 spot on the U.K. charts. It had quickly become a recognizable addition to the rapidly growing Christmas pop genre. This song is an oddity though. While most December classics reminisce of a warm fireplace, a cozy Christmas tree and time with loved ones, Lennon managed to integrate an anthem against “the man” with a children’s choir and Christmas bells.  He brilliantly placed a controversial message on the lips of those who listen to his seasonal sing-along.  But how could anyone protest? He was campaigning for peace, after all. 

Peace is a fruit of the spirit, an attribute that ought to be desired by all members of the body of Christ.  Romans 12:18 states, “Ifpossible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Maybe John Lennon heeded this message, or maybe the works of Karl Marx and heroin drove his lust for peace more than anything else. And this is where western Christmas culture truly rejects Christ as the unrelenting hope that so enthralls those who love him. The Christmas season is one where a mystical hope of some unknown kind drives people to do good or get along. The songs of the season tell listeners to be merry and jolly and hopeful. Hopeful for what? Santa Claus? I contend there is no hope apart from a savior; Christmas is no more than a day indwelling perpetual mirages of peace without the Prince of Peace.   

The rest that all people need can only be found in the child born into humility, who grew in unfaltering perfection, who was killed by betrayal, and who rose in victory. While “Happy Xmas” is a joyful song of unity that can bring people together and uplift spirits, Lennon’s message of hope is incomplete. Just as his song “Imagine” denies religion as a proponent of peace, “Happy Xmas” forgoes any mention of the good news of the Christmas season. Peace ought to be searched for under any circumstance, though the hopeful attempts at peace that John Lennon promotes in his songs will prove futile in the long-term. The unification under the banner of Christ lasts far longer than any written truce or diplomatic declaration.   

This Christmas when I hear the words “And so happy Christmas (War is over) / For black and for white (if you want it) / For yellow and red ones (war is over) / Let’s stop all the fight (now),” I will be happy to sing along yet again to this message of hope and unity. My hope, however, will not be set in a sentiment created by man, as Christ is truly the only one who has the might to bring everlasting peace, even to a world that hates his sweet serenity. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 

Kilker is the opinion editor for the Liberty Champion