Songs Of Hope - Sing We Now Of ChristmasSample

The First Noël

Finding Joy in Humble Beginnings

The French word noël refers to Christmas or a Christmas carol. Noël is believed to be derived from the Old French term nael, with Latin roots in the term natalis, meaning birth.

This beautiful hymn captures the first moments in which the Good News was proclaimed. Not to kings…not to holy men…but to humble shepherds. They were tending their sheep and likely concerned about keeping warm. Were they sharing scriptures of old about the coming Messiah? Were they speaking in hushed voices about the promised hope of redemption?

Luke 2:9 says, “And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.”

How indescribable it must have been to behold the “glory of the Lord” as expressed by angels heralding the arrival of the King of Kings! Astonishing and terrifying all at once. Yet, the angel goes on to say, “Do not be afraid! For I bring you good tidings of great joy!” And the proclamation is followed by a heavenly host proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! And peace on earth among men with whom He is pleased!”

Joy and peace seem elusive during difficult times. As we reflect on the coming of Christ into the world, remember His birth happened on a dark night. His presence was revealed to simple men in the midst of their routine work. Although it is quite difficult to overlook the appearance of an angelic choir in the sky, (and how I would love to witness such a sight!) we can still behold His glory in the everyday miracles that reveal His fathomless love for us.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem…!” The shepherds’ response to the birth of the Christ Child was immediate and passionate. They found the precious family and humbly bowed before the tiny baby whose blood would reconcile them to the Father for eternity…and then, they shared the Good News.

Seek Him this Advent season! Look for Him in every circumstance!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and Earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Dr. Christi Emerson
Associate Professor, Scott and White College of Nursing
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor