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:
- Meditate today on our verse, seeking to be overjoyed.
FURTHER
READING:
Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works
as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community
Group leader.
