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, the birthdate of Jesus Christ.  This term came into popular usage when popular Christmas song, “The First Noel,” was penned during the 18th century by an 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 our contemporary celebrations of Christmas, the central message of the miraculous incarnation and birth of the Messiah seems noticeably absent.

Our focus seems to be mostly on the festivities, food, parties, exchanging of gifts and gatherings with our family and friends.  The result is a time of tremendous emotional upheaval and widespread depression (even suicide), especially among those who lack sufficient resources to fulfill the mundane and material expectations of the season.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is 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 splendor of Heaven and entered a fallen and finite world system dominated by the insidious quest for fortune, fame, prestige and power.  Jesus Christ, alone, is the Savior of our world.  The scriptures testify of this matchless and miraculous gift to humankind:

Psalm 40:6-8

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened.  Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.  Then I said, “Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.  I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your 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 will bring forth a son, and YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS, for he will 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.

Romans 8:1-4

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HAS 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 DID BY SENDING HIS OWN SON in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin.  HE condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Because of the vital life, vicarious suffering and victorious atonement of JESUS CHRIST, we are forever freed from the power, practice, penalty and shame of sin.  HALLELUJAH…WHAT A SAVIOR!

Bottom-line: JESUS PAID IT ALL!  So, in this celebratory 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 so lovingly bequeathed to us.  We pledge to remember the real reason for the season: OUR GREATEST GIFT WHO CAME ALL THE WAY FROM HEAVEN TO SAVE FALLEN HUMANITY!

Merry Christmas, TO ALL!  And may you experience the very highest of peace, prosperity, health and happiness throughout the coming year of 2023!

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