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, with a tail as big as a kite.

As a child, we had a Disney Christmas tape from the late 1970s that used to play on repeat throughout the Christmas season. I can probably still sing all the songs on that tape, but the one that has stayed with me more than any other is this classic carol.

It was written in 1962 by Noel Regney and Gloria Shayne as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, over the years it has become one of those songs we all long to hear during the holidays and has been covered by numerous artists.

Why do we love this song so much? Why is this the one out of all the songs of my children’s tape that I remember best of all?

I like to think that it is because everyone in the story of this song uses what power they have to speak up. To make a difference. To spread peace, goodness and light.

It is a story where kings listen to shepherd boys and are not afraid of a little child who will change the world. A story where a shepherd boy can hear the hearts’ cry of the animals he cares for. A story where all of creation can speak and make sure even those of us who might not will actually pay attention.

It is a vision of a world I hope might one day be real. A childhood dream. A Godly kingdom.

And every year when I hear this song, every year when we welcome the Christ-child, we still open ourselves up to the possibility that this hope, this vision, this dream might become a reality.

So learn what we can from this song: listen to the wind’s song. Care for all of God’s creatures. Open your ears to children’s words, hopes, and dreams. Pray for peace. And put your trust in the Child who will bring us goodness and light.