This time of year there are many songs that point to joy and the most wonderful time of year. Lights everywhere and Christmas decorations enthrall us with the beauty of the season. But often in the hustle of the season, we forget the reason for the season so I want to take us back to the first Christmas season; the time of Christ’s birth.
One of the most popular Christmas carols, “The First Noel” tells the story of the birth of Jesus. It is a traditional English carol of Cornish origins, dating back to at least the 16th or 17th centuries. The combination of melody and lyrics was first published in 1823.
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay…
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep…
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far
Shepherd seeking out a living caring for their sheep, on a cold and blistery night, looked up and saw a star. The Old Testament prophets had declared that a Messiah would be born. Now in real time to poor shepherds the angel appears telling them not to be afraid and announcing that the Messiah has come. They were terrified, but the angels told them not to be afraid; that they bring good news that will cause joy for all people.
Jesus broke through into our world. He was sent by God the Father to us lowly people looking for joy, hope, and relief from the stress and anxiety of this life; offering salvation, life eternal, and forgiveness for our sins– those things we have done where we missed the mark. He broke through with His life in exchange for our lives, bearing the burdens of our sin on the cross.
The shepherds were afraid. They could barely hear the good news because of the grand entrance of the angels, their dazzling appearance, and a star pointing to the location of the Messiah.
Today, thousands of years later – we too are dazzled – not by shining angels and a star, but by lights, presents, and the songs we sing during Advent. We, like the shepherds, are poor, but in a different way; poor in spirit. Jesus comes to us. He breaks through the false satisfaction and saturation of the world in which we live, and He brings us good news. Are we frightened like the shepherds? Are we uncertain that this is good news? How does His arrival impact our ordinary lives?
Noel, Noel, born is the king of Israel…
Noel comes from the Latin word natalis, meaning birth. Jesus’s birth was an invitation to new life. This beautiful hymn, The First Noel, describes the breakthrough of our King.
Nicodemus, an Old Testament Rabbi, asked Jesus how he could perform signs if God was not with him. Jesus replies by describing the process in which heaven breaks through in our world and into our lives. We believe in His name and are born into new life.
Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. (John 3:3)
Christmas signifies the breakthrough of the kingdom of light into the kingdom of darkness.
For he has rescued us from the king of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear son (Colossians 1:13)
This is why we do not fear but have hope; the same hope that the shepherds had on that blistry night when they encountered the angels.
Friends, Advent is upon us. The celebration is all around us. Look up and see the star pointing to the reason for the season. Look up and remember that Jesus broke through with His light to bring us good tidings and joy, which is found in Christ alone.
Consider joining our Drawing Near community of star gazers either live or by streaming.
Joanne
