Do You Hear What I Hear?

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 337: Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?" 

The song was written in 1962 by a husband and wife writing team. Gloria Shayne wrote the music and her husband, Noël Regney, penned the lyrics. It was in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the many fears associated with war. It truly is one of my favorite modern Christmas songs, although it is old enough to classify as an "oldies" song. 

At church on Sunday, the magnificent Kathy McKearn played the song as a solo with the handbells. I am always in awe of her talent. I would get lost and be confused if I were managing that many handbells at one time. She does it with grace and finesse.  "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on the handbells was incredible. From the depth of the big bells to the light feeling of the upper octaves, we enjoyed every note, it was wonderful. 

The lyrics resonate as much today as they did in 1962. Peace, goodness, and light were born in a stable more than 2000 years ago. Hope arrived in the form of a baby. A new baby is always a miracle. The Christ child was the answer to many prayers after years of waiting. He did not look as they expected him to look. He did not arrive in the way that was anticipate, although the prophet Isaiah foretold of the coming Messiah. 

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!"-Isaiah 9:6-7

The prophecies were fulfilled. The promise kept.  God had been silent for 400 years, but He was never absent. The timing had to be just right. Mary was the right girl. Joseph was the right man to comfort, love, and protect her. Jesus was not unexpected, but they did not anticipate they would have a front row seat. 

"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."

Today, I am grateful for the song "Do You Hear What I Hear?"