The Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear" wasn't originally written for Christmas. Rather, it was composed as a call for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s. Growing up, without knowing the context of the song, I was fascinated by its imagery: wind, lamb, star, shepherd, song, king and sleeping child.

These days I'm more fascinated by the questions the song raises than the images it mentions. In my experience, try as we may, no one can see, hear, know or listen as suggested in the song lyrics. Seeing and hearing -- while sensory -- are much more than just senses. Many speak of an "inner knowing," a "gut feeling" or "reading between the lines."

At my place of ministry, I see nearly 1,000 people every day. More often than not, I see faces -- that's all. I don't see what they may be carrying with them: anxiety, hurt, a special something they are celebrating, etc. I hear their greetings, but I don't hear what their whole being may be calling out for nonverbally. I will not even claim to know anything about anyone. And listening? With so much noise in our world right now -- yikes! Just think of an experience you've had with customer service.

For me, all of this begs the question: How can I see, hear, know and listen? I don't care how much training and practice you have; this is tough stuff.