The First Noel
By Carolyn
Hulliberger
“When they saw the
star, they were overjoyed.”
Matthew
2:10 (NIV, emphasis added)
When
was the last time you were overjoyed? Not just happy or glad or satisfied…but
“over-the-top-can’t-contain-yourself-want-to-tell-everyone-you-meet”- joyed? Scripture
tells us this was how the Wise Men felt following the star, seeking the
foretold King. “The First Noel” sums up the story in these lyrics:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then entered in
those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there, in
His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Then let us all with
one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth
of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.
Chorus: Noel, noel!
Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel! [1]
The
definition of Noel refers to this Christmas story of being overjoyed. It means
“the season of Christmas.” [2] What I love about the lyrics to this carol is
the simplicity of the telling of that story of the Nativity. The shepherds
aren’t squeaky clean…they are poor. The wise men have implied wealth because of
the value of the gifts they bring to the manger. The picture of the light of
the star being seen by those on the lowest rung of society to the highest - -
available to anyone who looks - - is the
beauty of Christ, both the day of His birth and today.
And
we are to be overjoyed.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Meditate today on our verse, seeking to be overjoyed.
FURTHER READING:
Along
with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative,
serves in Oakwood Church’s Student Ministries with an awesome group of junior
high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
