NOEL: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEASON

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!

 Nevertheless, as we reflect upon our contemporary celebrations of Christmas, the central message of the divine incarnation and redemptive birth of Jesus Christ is noticeably absent.

 Our focus seems to be mostly on the festivities: food, parties, gatherings with family and the exchanging of gifts.  The result is a time of tremendous emotional upheaval and widespread depression (even suicide) for many, especially those who lack sufficient resources to fulfill the mundane and material expectations of this festive season.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is virtually sidelined by our cultural and customary traditions.  And we believers silently ask: “How can this be?”

 Another question is begged: “Is it logical (or even possible) to remove CHRIST from Christmas?”  I think not.  After all, HE IS THE ONE who voluntarily disrobed Himself of the wondrous splendors of Heaven and entered a fallen and finite world system that is dominated by insidious quests for pleasure, power, fortune and fame.  Jesus Christ, alone, is the Savior of our world.  The scriptures testify of His matchless and miraculous gift of grace to humankind:

 Psalm 40:6-8

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.  Then said I, LO, I COME: IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME, 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.

 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

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.  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 power, practice, penalty and guilt of sin.  

 HALLELUJAH…WHAT A SAVIOR!

 Romans 8:1-4

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HATH MADE ME FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH.  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: 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!  

 So, 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 has been eternally bequeathed to us.  We pledge to remember the real reason for this season and we will collectively celebrate OUR GREATEST GIFT with unbounded joy.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!