Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Interesting Conversation, Federico Zandomeneghi, 1895 (Christie's) 

"There's a lot of difference between listening and hearing." ~ G.K. Chesterton

🎵 I love this season - it offers so many opportunities to interact with people on different levels.  For those people we see everyday, it gives us a chance to let them know how much they are appreciated.  

🎵Some we see once a year, and it gives us a chance to reconnect.

🎵 Some we've never seen before and might not even meet, but it gives us the privilege of donating so they might enjoy a better Christmas.

Muppet Christmas Carol

🎵All of these encounters provide us with an opportunity - to listen.  Sure, I can be the queen of talking to every person in the room on a superficial level, sprinkled under the guise of humor or service, walking away not knowing one real thing about that person.  

But is that what Jesus wants of me?  Is that what He did?  Jesus not only listened to people's words, but He had (has) the ability to listen to hearts.  He asked questions. He took time, engaged with them, noticed and valued them.  

 If we really intentionally ask people about their lives and listen to what they say, God can use us to bless them (& us).  

🎵 I have friends that are so good at this listening skill.  It is definitely a practice that doesn't come naturally to me, and I often have to ask God to help me be intentional.  Jesus told us what comes out of our mouths proceeds from the heart (John 15:18-19).  A lot of times a lack of peace is what comes out of people's hearts.  This world is shaking them.  It can shake all of us at times.  

But how meaningful it makes our interactions with people!    And if it gives us the opportunity to convey the peace we have because of Jesus in us, then let's do it!   

🎵 One of the most famous Christmas carols we hear today is actually not as old as we think.  "Do You Hear What I Hear?" was actually written by Noel Regney and his wife Gloria Shayne during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 as a plea for peace amidst a time of incredible angst between the U.S. and Russia over nuclear missiles Russia had in Cuba.   

What's fascinating is that neither of them were Christian, yet the lyrics point to Jesus' birth and are sung today as worship. 

🎵 It seems like today we need to plea for peace.  Our world can be scary, depressing, lonely & seemingly to many without hope.  But as Christians, we know that God has already given us hope & peace- Jesus says in John 14:27-

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives 

do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." 

🎵 And in John 16:33, Jesus promises us peace when we put our trust in Him-

"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have

 peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; 

I have overcome the world."

🎵 So as we meet & greet people this Christmas season, let's lean in and purposefully listen to them.  Consider that maybe your paths have crossed for a reason; ask God to let you be a blessing to them as you show them Jesus that's in you that they need to encounter right now. 

🎵 Because He brings us goodness and light.

✙ Heavenly Father, You came to earth out of pure Love for us.  You knew You would be mocked, scorned, tortured and killed but did it anyway.  You are the true Peace that we all need.  Please let us show that to others by our interactions with them-we can't do it on our own.  Guide us by Your Holy Spirit.  Amen.