Christ in the Carols Series Episode 2

Hello, my walking friend! Today is the 2nd episode in the Christ in the Carols series. In each podcast during this series we will listen to the lyrics of different Christmas carols and learn a little about the history of the song.

Today’s Christmas carol is The First Noel and the Bible verse we will be meditating on is John 4:25-26:

The woman said, “I know that Messiah is coming.” Messiah means Christ. “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus said, “The one you’re talking about is the one speaking to you. I am he.”

Let’s listen to the lyrics of The First Noel:

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.
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 where’er it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Over 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 reverently upon the 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 heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

The writers of the original First Noel are unknown. It is believed that the carol was first written in the 13th or 14th century for a Miracle Play Cornwall, England. A Miracle Play was an early form of theater that originated during the period that preceded the Renaissance. Miracle Plays would depict famous Bible stories, the most popular being the birth of Jesus. In 1823, William Sandys created an arrangement for the song and Davies Gilbert added some new lyrics to give us the Christmas carol so popular today.

The word “noel” comes from the French word for Christmas and the Latin word natalis, which means birthday. It is a song that encourages us to reflect on the first Christmas, or in actuality, the first advent, the first coming in human form of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

You see, the Jewish people were long awaiting a Messiah. They longed for the birth of the one who would set them free from the bondage and rule of other nations. But many didn’t recognize him when he came to earth to walk among them. Many Jewish people today are still waiting for the Messiah. But as Christians, we believe the words of Jesus when he told the woman at the well:

“The one you’re talking about is the one speaking to you. I am he.”

The First Noel is a carol that celebrates this first arrival of Jesus, as Messiah, as the Christ, as our Lord and Savior. We sing it to remember his birth and his rightful title as Messiah, King of Israel, Lord of our hearts, Savior of our souls.

Fellow walking friend, does your heart fill with wonder and excitement when you consider that the one speaking to you, the one walking with you, is he – the great I AM, the long awaited Messiah! I know I am overwhelmed!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Take some time now to let the words and meaning of this song, and the words of John 4:25-26 sink deep into your heart and soul.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards of developing this discipline are great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions to guide you followed by a short interlude for reflection.

In today’s verse, Jesus clearly identifies himself as the long awaited Messiah. Why do you think some people have a hard time accepting his claim? As you reflect on your answer, also pray for those non-believers.

The song The First Noel speaks of Jesus’ first coming but scripture tells us to be always mindful of his second coming. Take some time now to reflect on Jesus’ return.

The song portrays the wise men as falling reverently on their knees before Jesus and includes in the last verse, “Then let us all with one accord, Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord.” Take some time now to sing praises to your heavenly Lord.

Now let’s listen again to today’s verse one more time:
John 4:25-26:
The woman said, “I know that Messiah is coming.” Messiah means Christ. “When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus said, “The one you’re talking about is the one speaking to you. I am he.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to and to thank Jesus now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,
You are the true and faithful one. You prophesied and promised a Messiah who would come to save all souls, not only those of the Jewish faith, from an eternity separated from you – if only we believe and trust, by faith, that you are our Messiah. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling every one of your promises. Thank you for being our Messiah. Jesus, today we pray for those who have not accepted your righteous title of Messiah, King of Israel. We pray for both Jews and Gentiles alike that they will hear the true message of Christmas – that you were born of a virgin and became man so that you could be the only acceptable sacrifice to atone for our sins and the only acceptable Savior to save our souls. We pray that their hearts and minds would be opened to hear your life saving message through songs like The First Noel. Amen.

Well, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with the Lord. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. But more importantly, you walked with Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate and reflect on when we sing The First Noel.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description. The show notes will include a video of the carol, The First Noel.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. We will be learning about the carol, What Child Is This? Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.