Longfellow's poem "Christmas Bells" was set to music approximately nine years after it was published. The melody "Waltham," written by John Baptiste Calkin, is generally associated with the hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". In some versions, all stanzas of Longfellow's poem are included.

More often, the fourth and fifth stanzas with their references to war are excluded and the third stanza is moved to the end.

I heard the bells on Christmas day 
Their old, familiar carols play, 
And wild and sweet the words repeat 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.
 
I thought how, as the day had come, 
The belfries of all Christendom 
Had rolled along th' unbroken song 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men.
 
And in despair I bowed my head; 
"There is no peace on earth," I said; 
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men." 
 
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; 
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, 
With peace on earth, good-will to men." 
 
Till, ringing, singing on its way, 
The world revolved from night to day, 
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime 
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Although some references credit Calkin for associating the words with the music, others are less certain. Lest we take it for granted that Calkin composed this melody especially for Longfellow's poem, we must consider that "Waltham" is also used with the hymns "Fling High the Banner" and "Lift Up, Lift Up Your Voices Now" and others.

Calkin was born in London, England on March 16, 1827. After completing his education, he accepted a position as organist and choirmaster at St. Columba’s College in Ireland. In later years, he served as choirmaster at several churches in England and was on the faculty of the Guildhall School of Music. Calkin died on May 15, 1905 and is buried at Highgate Cemetery in London, England.

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