The Christmas tree is decorated, the gifts wrapped and placed under it. 

Santa’s ‘in-home helpers’ have positioned the “some assembly required” toys without a hitch — this year.

Everything is set for our children’s dash down the stairs — or hall way — at daybreak.

With my head on a pillow and my spouse beside me, I thank God how fortunate I am to be blessed with them.

As I begin to doze, a soft melody ever so quietly begins as I drift into sleep.

Unrecognizable at first, the melody beckons me further into the peaceful dreamland where everything that I believe is once again clear, where I (indeed, we all) can remember what Christmas is really about. 

The lyric that rides on the melody guides us to a universal truth.

I know you, too, will hear the familiar melody as your eyes follow these guiding words:

“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;

With a tail… as big… as a kite”

The Star over Bethlehem serves as a North Star for our life compass.

“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 tree;

With a voice… as big… as the sea”

The Voice we hear is our life conscience.

“Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king; do you know what I know?

In your palace warm, mighty king; do you know what I know?

A Child… a Child… shivers in the cold;

Let us bring Him silver and gold; Let us bring Him silver and gold”

The Warmth we know can welcome those from the cold.

“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”

The Child is Christ-mas.

Columnist Note:  Words and Music, “Do You Hear What I Hear”? by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne, 1962

Richard is president of Olivastro Communications and founder of Citizens for Change. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, he is available pro bono for charitable fundraisers and public forums and can be reached via e-mail at RichOlivastro@gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-RichSpeaks.