What a world of sound it must have been for Jesus, newly-born —
Mother Mary singing songs of praise to God that Christmas morn;
Joseph, reaching for the child, whispering when the baby fussed;
Songs and whispers bear the promise: You are truly God-with-us.

Surely there were sounds of women from that small community,
Stopping by to see the baby, offering hospitality;
Lambs were bleating, donkeys braying, children playing in the street.
Jesus, close against his mother, felt her heart's rejoicing beat.

In that town were shepherds calling; workers there were cutting wood;
In the distance, angry shouts and people begging for their food;
In a doorway, someone weeping, saddened by some inner pain —
Jesus, in your incarnation, unto each of these you came.

What a world of sound we live in; many words we daily hear.
Mid this world's conflicting voices, be for us God's Word so clear.
Help us listen to your story; help us hear you when we pray.
In you, Jesus, is our hope: God came to us on Christmas Day.