The holiday season comes with so many wonderful traditions, from time with family and friends to special outings, from decorations to music. One of my favorite holiday songs is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” In a few short minutes, the song captures so many emotions—innocence, hope, help, faith, courage, and love. More than just a Christmas song, though, the words resonate with the work we do every day.
Do you see what I see…
Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you see what I see? Way up in the sky little lamb? Do you see what I see? A star, a star dancing in the night…
Our children are much like that little lamb when they first discover who can help them. They see those people as light much like the stars of the night sky. Often the help may seem so far off but one can’t help but find comfort and hope in their light.
Do you hear what I hear…
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky shepherd boy? Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song high above the trees with a voice as big as the seas…
In those very stars the little lamb begins to hear hope ringing out that gives him courage. Suddenly the lamb feels empowered to tell someone else what he has seen and heard.
Do you know what I know…
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, do you know what I know? In your palace wall mighty king, do you know what I know? A child, a child shivers in the cold, let us bring him silver and gold…
The shepherd having heard the story of the little lamb then shares the story with those he knows can help. He shares what the lamb has told him and asks, What can we do? What can we give that will help?
Do you hear what I hear…
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…
Finally, those who have been working with all of their might, cry out to everyone. Their cry is one filled with all of the stories of their work, asking for others to listen, to hope for and believe in peace, to join them in their work because all of our children are what will give our future goodness and light. It is up to us to ensure that they are protected and whole so that they can make our world a better place.
This holiday season as you enjoy all of the wonders it has to offer I hope that you will join us in the fight to bring goodness and light to this world. Remember the needs of our children, I hope you take time to hear their stories, to see them, to share your love for them, and to remember that to them you are the star in their night sky.
