She Was Different

Children are often cruel. As a young child I remember a new girl in school. She was different. She was from a different country, she talked funny and she smelled funny. Most of the kids in my 6th grade class were not very nice to her. She was in my Girl Scout troop and we got to be friends, she had her hair in braids like mine and we both liked to play with paper dolls but most important we both loved to sing. I really didn't care that she smelled a little funny because she told me why.

You see she said one day I have something wrong inside me, that is why we came here so the doctors could fix me. She said please don't tell anyone that I have to wear diapers. I never told even though she was called names, she was my friend and I would just sit by her and hold her hand when she would cry because of the teasing of the other kids.

At Christmas that year we had a play for our parents at school. My friend could sing like an angel and she was chosen to sing. She asked if she could sing "O Holy Night" because she knew it by heart.

When she sang the whole room became quiet and the teacher that was playing the piano even stopped playing. Every man, woman and child was overcome by the beautiful voice we were hearing.

To this day I have not heard a voice so beautiful and so pure. I would love to say that this strange little girl became someone famous but she became an angel. She did not stay with us. Before the next school year started she went to be with our Lord in Heaven. But I don't think anyone in that room will be able to hear "O Holy Night" without remembering the little girl who was different.

O holy night! the stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till he appeared, and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Fall on your knees: O, hear the angel voices!

O night divine - O night when Christ was born!

O night divine - O night, O night divine!

With humble hearts we bow in adoration

Before this Child, gift of God's matchless love!

Sent from on high to purchase our salvation

That we might dwell with Him ever above.

What grace untold to leave the bliss of glory

And die for sinners guilty and forlorn:

Fall on your knees! Repeat the wondrous story!

O night divine - O night when Christ was born!

O night divine - O night, O night divine!

Truly he taught us to love one another,

His law is love, and his gospel is peace,

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,

And in his name all oppressions shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we:

Let all within us praise his holy name,

Christ is the Lord, O, Praise his name forever.

His power and glory every more proclaim!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O night, O holy night, O night divine.

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May your angels watch over you and remember we are all different and we all are loved by God