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:

 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 the contemporary celebration of Christmas, the central message of the miraculous Incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ seems noticeably absent.

 Our focus feels mostly on the festivities, food, parties, gatherings with family and friends and the exchanging of gifts.  The result is a time of tremendous emotional upheaval and widespread depression (even suicide), especially among those who lack sufficient resources to fulfill the more mundane and material expectations of the season.  The gospel of Jesus Christ becomes virtually sidelined by our cultural and customary traditions.  True believers silently ask: “Should 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 eternal splendors of Heaven and entered into a fallen and finite world system that is dominated by an insidious quest for fortune, fame, prestige and power.  Jesus Christ, alone, is the Savior of our world.  The scriptures testify of His matchless and miraculous gift 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, Counsellor, 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 Jesus Christ’s victorious life, vicarious suffering and vital atonement, we are freed 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 gracious legacy of spiritual power, life and peace that is eternally bequeathed to us.  We pledge to remember the real reason for this season as we collectively celebrate OUR GREATEST GIFT with overflowing joy.

 Merry Christmas!  And may you experience the highest of peace, prosperity, health and happiness in the coming year.

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