The First Noel is a 15th century carol of uncertain authorship, but its melody and story is timeless. The French Christmas greeting, “Joyeux Noël” (Joyful birth) gives us the hint that it is all about the birthday of Jesus. In this brief video I share a story of young boy named Dylan, who we used to bring to church and how he discovered before any of the adults, just where the party for Jesus was held. I hope you will be blessed as you listen to this tiny Christmas tale and a simple rendition of “The First Noel which we sang at Life Care Center this past week.
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God Remembered
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Luke 1:52-54
As Mary begins her song, she gives us an insight into the heart of God and sings of God remembering His mercy. Now this remembering is not the same as when we suddenly recall something long forgotten, slap ourselves on the knee and say, “O yeah! I forgot about that!” No, our God, who knows the number of hairs on our heads and has written all our days in His book before we live them, never forgets mercy for a while and then suddenly remembers again. As Mary was inspired by the Holy Spirit in her song, she was speaking of a remembrance which is more like a locket that we hang around our necks with the photo of a loved one on the inside. When Jesus was conceived in Mary, God gave Him to be that locket, and beginning with His birth in Bethlehem, He placed the photographs of everyone who believed in Him inside it. But Bethlehem was only the beginning, and God has a greater day in mind. One day God’s locket of mercy will be opened, and everyone whose name is inscribed inside will be given a place at His table and will be able to joyfully and gratefully worship Him forever in remembrance of His mercy!
God’s Christmas Gift of Light
In Him was life and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 KJV
If we were to guess the meaning of Christmas from what we see on television or by way of internet marketing, we might guess that it is primarily about buying things for people. We see images of smiling people slipping on diamond rings, jumping into shiny new cars or cuddling up by the fire in luxurious clothing. But the Bible makes it clear, that while God knows there are things that we dream of receiving, there is nothing that we could purchase, that has eternal value. When God prepared to give His gift to us at Christmas, it was neither in the beauty of an expensive ring, nor the comfort of a fine home, but rather He gave us the light of Heaven. We all have heard how that on the night that Jesus was born, the first people to get the news were shepherds in a dark field, and the Bible says, “The glory of the Lord shone around them.” Luke 2:9. When the wise men showed up some time later, we are told that, they followed the light of a star that, “When it rose, went ahead of them.” Matthew 2:9. Everywhere we turn, God’s gift comes to the world by the light of His Son Jesus Christ. That gift still shines in our darkness, but if we follow Him, God promises to give us the light of life. Once we have received that light, then we will be able to give gifts to others, like forgiveness, encouragement or a listening ear. These never show up in commercials, but they are the ones that are eternal, because they point to Jesus, the light of the world and God’s Christmas gift to us!
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