NOEL: THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEASON
The French word
“NOEL” is derived from the Latin root, “natalis,” which means BIRTHDAY.
When capitalized, it is synonymous with the angelic heralding of yuletide
or CHRISTMAS. This term came into popular usage when “The First Noel” was
penned during the 18th century by an unknown English composer. Its joyous
lyrics are perennially familiar to us.
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!
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!
Nevertheless, as we
reflect upon the contemporary celebration of Christmas, the central message of
the miraculous Incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ is noticeably and
strikingly absent.
Our focus seems to
be on the festivities, food, parties, gatherings with family and friends, or
the exchanging of gifts. The result is a time of tremendous emotional
upheaval and widespread depression (even suicide) for many, especially those lacking
in sufficient resources to fulfill the mundane and material expectations of the
season. The gospel of Jesus Christ becomes virtually sidelined by cultural
and customary traditions. We believers silently ask ourselves: “Should
this be?”
Another question is
begged: “Is it logical (or even possible) to remove JESUS CHRIST from
Christmas?” I think not. After all, HE IS THE ONE who voluntarily
disrobed Himself of the eternal splendors of Heaven and entered into a fallen
and finite world system that is dominated by our insidious quest for fortune,
fame, power and prestige. Jesus Christ, alone, is the Savior of our
world.
The scriptures
testify triumphantly of His matchless and miraculous gift of grace and mercy to
humankind:
Psalm 40:6-8
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, LO, I COME: IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, LO, I COME: IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Isaiah 9:6
FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
John 1:11-12
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on HIS NAME:
And she shall bring forth a son, and THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
John 1:11-12
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on HIS NAME:
Because of the
victorious life, vicarious suffering and vital atonement of JESUS CHRIST, we
are free forever from the guilt, power, practice, penalty of sin.
HALLELUJAH…WHAT A SAVIOR!
Romans 8:1-4
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Bottom-line: JESUS
PAID IT ALL! Therefore, in this season (and always) we thank you, JESUS,
for your timely birth, your sinless life, your substitutionary death, your
victorious resurrection and your marvelous legacy of spiritual power, life and
peace that is eternally bequeathed to us. We pledge to remember YOU in
this season as we collectively celebrate OUR GREATEST GIFT with unbounded joy.
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