Do You Hear What I Hear?
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.1
Christmas is fast approaching! Do you hear what I hear? I hear carols, bells, and laughter. Do you see what I see? I see lights, decorated trees, and crowded shopping centers! Do you know what I know? I know that God sent his only Son, Jesus, to be born of a virgin and bring Salvation to all mankind!
A Christmas carol asking the same questions was written in October of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviets had set missiles in Cuba, poised and ready to destroy any city in America, along with their hopes during the holiday season.
While out on a walk one day, Noel Regney, noticed the fear and worry on every person’s face, except for two small children who were smiling and laughing as if in full conversation, oblivious to the hovering threat. By the time he reached his home, Regney had composed the words to “Do You Hear What I Hear?’’ in his head. Upon writing the words on paper, his wife, Gloria, wrote the music to the carol we enjoy today.
In this famous song, the author saw: “A star, a star, dancing in the night, With a tail as big as a kite” – The star that announced the birth of our Lord Jesus!
He heard: “A song, a song, high above the trees, With a voice as big as the sea” – The voice of the herald angels announcing our Savior’s arrival!
He knew that: “A Child, a Child shivers in the cold, Let us bring Him silver and gold” – The newborn Child is worthy to receive our greatest gifts and worship!
What a beautiful message to come out of such a dreadful time. Similar to the night Jesus was born, when a threat loomed over the birth of the newborn King — hope came from despair! Jesus came to bring light to a dark world, and we are called to carry that light still. Won’t you ask Jesus to shine in and through your life today?
Said the king to the people everywhere,
“Listen to what I say!”
“Pray for peace, people everywhere!”
“Listen to what I say!”
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light.2
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how gracious you were to mankind to send down your only Son from Heaven to save a sinful world. Your love and mercy still reign today, and I worship at your feet and lift you high my most precious Savior! In Jesus’ most Holy name, Amen.
Luke 2:10-11 (ESV).
“Do You Hear What I hear?” by Noel Regney, 1962.
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.