Silent Night, Holy Night...a song makes the day...

I was at my usual post in the morning.  I traditionally see a parade of special needs children and adults.  Most have become regulars.   This one morning a group came in and I was asking them what they wanted for Christmas and the normal request along with requests to see parents, get a car or be able to live on their own.  This one young woman came up and sat on my lap, I asked what she wanted for Christmas.  I was told by the group supervisor that she did not talk but did like to sing on occasion.   I then asked if she liked to sing.  She shook her head in the affirmative.  I asked if she had a favorite Christmas song, once again she nodded yes.   I asked if she would sing it for me.  She shook her head no.   She then leaned in and whispered slowly...t o g e t h e r.   I smiled and said that would be my honor.   I asked if she could start and I would join her.  she grinned a huge grin!   very softly and in the wrong key she began Silent Night....I joined in and did my best to follow what ever key she moved to.   she got louder and stronger and she was glowing as we sang...tears started to trickle down her face.  When we got done.  she gave me the biggest hug I have had in a long time.   it lasted for a while.   she was beaming and proud.   The elves, other patrons, her group were a mix of tears and smiles....
​The Lord asks us to make a joyful noise.  And we did.  The beautiful song Silent Night will never be the same for me.   This was my year to learn the meaning....between seeing the chapel where it was written and then to have it sung with such great importance and meaning.    We should all embrace the joyful noise in each one of us.