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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Picture this: an 8-year-old girl laying on her belly on the floor of her bedroom in front of the tape recorder. Yes, that was me. before CD’s were “a thing”, I would lay on the floor for hours waiting to hear my favorite Christmas song so that I could record it on my cassette tape. As soon as I heard Do you hear what I hear? come on the radio, I would press record and hold my breath for fear my breathing would make it on the recording. I remember taking the tape I made to mom’s car, and everywhere we went I would beg her to play my tape, even long after the Christmas season was over.

The song is about the night wind who told the little lamb who told the star who told the shepherd boy who told the king that a child was born who will “bring us goodness and light.” Jesus was born to give me goodness when I surely don’t deserve it. I am so very thankful that God chooses to give me not what I deserve, but what He has gifted to me. He was born to give me light in my darkest of times.

Ask yourself, do others see what I see? Do I see the beauty in all things and do I encourage others to see the same? Do others hear what I hear? What do I truly hear in the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Do others know what I know? Am I spreading God’s love and God’s word so that others have the opportunity to know what I know?

The song also says, “Pray for peace, people everywhere!” It does not say pray for peace people in my church, but pray for people everywhere! As we come upon this Christmas season, I pray not only for my family and friends closest to me, but I also pray for those who don’t yet know you, Lord, however near and far they may be.

“Father, we need to so reflect You to our world that they will experience Christ in us every day.”

For His Glory

Denise Crouse
TRBC Women’s Life