Do You Hear What I Hear?
Before Jesus returned to heaven after His resurrection, He gave us our mission: “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone’” (Mark 16:15). But this can be challenging for us. How are we to do this? How do we go about telling everyone about Jesus? It can be a bit easier this time of year to share the message of Jesus, and while there isn’t one right way to share the gospel, the song Do You Hear What I Hear shows us a good approach.
This is one of those rare Christmas songs that isn’t 60+ years old, nor does it have its roots in Europe. This song was written and composed by a husband and wife, Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker in 1962 during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The lyrics tell the story of the message of Jesus’ birth being passed on from the night wind, all the way up to a mighty king. The night wind asks a little lamb, “Do you see what I see?” and the little lamb asks a shepherd boy, “Do you hear what I hear?” and the shepherd boy asks a mighty king, “Do you know what I know?” The coming of Jesus is passed on through questions, which is a good way to begin sharing the gospel with people, by simply asking questions.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
As Christ’s representatives we should make His appeal and speak for Christ, and as the apostle Peter tells us, we should always be ready to explain our faith. This time of year, the message of Christ coming is not far from many people’s minds with songs, decorations, and even the word “Christmas” being a reminder of the true reason for the season. A good way to engage people in conversation about Jesus is through questions that can be as simple as: Do you plan on going to a Christmas service anywhere this year? Would you and your family like to come to a Christmas service with us? Do you know Jesus? Do you know why we celebrate Christmas? Do you know what the word Christmas means?
The only one in the song who doesn’t ask a question is the mighty king. Every other voice asks do you see/hear/know, but the king says, “Listen to what I say.” He has the authority to tell the people, and once he hears of this child that has come, he tells the people everywhere of the child that has come to bring us goodness and light. Are you telling those around you of their Savior that came down to earth to save them? This season, ask someone in your family, neighborhood, or workplace, “Do you hear what I hear?” At this time of year when people are filled with cheer, when they show goodwill, ask someone, “Do you see what I see?” When someone comes to you with a problem, a trouble, or a hurt, perhaps you could ask them, “Do you know what I know?” During this season (and always) look for opportunities and ways to share the truth of the gospel.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
—Redeemed
