GloriaSample

Noel

The first Noel, the angels 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!

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

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel!

This carol was first published in 1823 by William Sandys in England. Since then, its melody and lyrics have grown more and more familiar to the Church, as have the stories of the shepherds and the wise men referenced by the song. 

The nativity accounts found in the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke were signals to God’s people, Israel, who had been awaiting the arrival of a new king. Many of the signs surrounding Jesus’ birth pointed back to the greatest and most respected king that Israel had yet known, King David:   

1. Shepherds: David is first introduced in 1 Samuel 16 as a young shepherd boy in Bethlehem. He was out keeping his sheep when the prophet Samuel arrived to anoint him king. Later, Micah prophesied that another ruler would come out of Bethlehem who would also shepherd God’s people. Then in the book of Luke, the appearance of angels to shepherds near Bethlehem was an indicator that a major character in God’s story of redemption had arrived.    
2. Wise Men and Myrrh: What would Samuel, a wise and respected leader, have used to proclaim David king after he was led on his mission to Bethlehem? According to Exodus 30, myrrh was one of the core ingredients used to make sacred anointing oil. And we read in the Gospel of Matthew that wise men are led to Bethlehem once again with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, this time as gifts for Jesus, our newborn King.

The arrival of Jesus was deeply significant. It led a group of shepherds to tell many others what they’d seen and heard. It inspired powerful men to travel a great distance to bring gifts to the child of strangers. The arrival of Jesus matters. It changed everything for the shepherds and wise men, and it changes everything for us. We’ve seen their response to the arrival of the King. What is our response? 

Challenge

As you hear this carol, I pray that your spirit is moved. I pray that you would not hold back in your response, whether it yields more passionate and authentic praise than you’ve ever experienced, or it gives you the courage to tell someone about Jesus. Maybe you’ve been on the fence about fully committing your life to Christ, or going to church. Whatever the response, He’s worth giving your all.

—Luke Guevara

Worship with this live performance of Noel with Worship Pastor Luke Guevara: