It’s caroling Sunday again. The formation and use of the word Noel has an interesting and complicated history. Originally the word means to be born and then through some double usage and similar words it now is used to mean the Christmas season or Christmas carol. More info Here
Thousands of years before God had told Abram that through him a kingdom would arise and through that kingdom the entire world would be blessed. This carol encapsulates that story. The shepherds; who are Jews are the genetic descendants of Abram. The wise men who eventually arrive are the spiritual descendants of Abram.
A birth announcement that had been foretold that changed the world. In Jesus we are one. We are the children of faith and now we sing Noel; the King is born.
Lyrics from Hymnary
1 The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
born is the King of Israel.
2 They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east, beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]
3 And by the light of that same star
three Wise Men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]
4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]
5 Then entered in those Wise Men three,
full reverently upon the knee,
and offered there, in his presence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]
The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
This did not post on Sunday, 12/13, which was it’s original date to be posted.