The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 13

The First Noel

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3-8

In 1833, William Sandys wrote the hymn, “The First Noel.” The song details Jesus birth, with each verse telling a new part of the story, separated by the chorus refrain, “Noel! Born is the King of Israel!” “Noel” is a French word for Christmas that comes from Latin roots that mean “new birth.” Therefore, the song is ultimately about how the new birth of Jesus in Bethlehem leads to the new birth of the people of God in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 3:3-8 tell of the new birth that believers have in Jesus Christ. Christians’ new or second birth occurs because in Christ, their full identity changes. Without Christ, a sinner’s core identity is an “object of wrath” before a Holy God. After trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the Christian’s core identity is a child of God . . . an heir according to His promise.

What this means is that believers in Christ celebrate the first birth of Jesus because it provides for them their new birth into the family of God. That is why the sixth verse of “The First Noel” is so powerful. It begins, “Let us all with one accord . . . ” Since this hymn has been sung for 190 years, our voices join with “one accord” to literally millions who have sung this very song previously. The verse concludes by declaring the reason for our cross-generational unity, “With His (Jesus) Blood mankind hath bought.” Because of the blood of Jesus Christ, all believers now have a second, “new” birth. With this in mind, the chorus sounds like the cry of a 1930′s newspaper salesman calling, “Extra, Extra, read all about it!” The chorus shouts, “New birth! New birth! New birth! New birth! Born is the One who brings us new birth!

Let us think about that as we reflect on the lyrics of this great Christmas hymn!

The First 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!

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.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest.
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest.
And there it did both pause and stay,
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord,
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord.
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!