The First Noel

   Have you sung about the first Noel, like us without knowing what noel means? 

   Noel is a French word that comes from a Latin word meaning "birth," or from another Latin word meaning "new." Here, it can refer to the Christmas season, or the good news that Jesus Christ has come. 

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.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the king of Israel. 

   The last stanza crosses the boundaries of time. We join with medieval Christians to praise our Lord, who bought us all with his blood.

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heav'nly Lord,

That has made heav'n and earth of naught,

And with his blood mankind has bought. 

   Jesus came to us in a most primitive way, born at night in a cold, smelly stable, and he the law giver gave up his body in a most painful way, on a cross designed for criminals. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, 

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:9-10