The First Noel (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 300)
1 The first Noel the angel 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.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
2 They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light
and so it continued both day and night.
Refrain
3 And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Refrain
4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Refrain
5 Then entered in those wise men three,
full rev’rently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Refrain
Text: English traditional; Music: English traditional; Public Domain
Devotion
I can imagine huddling with other shepherds, trying to warm up with the fur of the sheep. At first it is dark, maybe a bit scary, when they see a shining star. What is that? Then they notice three men following the star. I would be surprised, maybe a bit scared of these men in the middle of the night, cold, searching. Yet their clothes are too nice for them to be robbers. Now they hear their story of the star, and the shepherds decided to follow them.
The group continued to Bethlehem and discovered a shed with a family inside. The important men offered very nice gifts, and the shepherds just watched the little baby in wonder. So many questions. Why a shed in Bethlehem? Why gifts from these wise men who had travelled so far? The young shepherds were in awe of the scene.
Their experience would be humbling and surprising. The wise men were impressed and thankful that their trip had become true.
Prayer
Gracious Lord and King, we praise you for your creativity and imagination in coming to this earth as a baby and growing as we all do. But in mystery you were then, and even now are our God. What a sacrifice and how much love? Thank you, Jesus, for your life. Amen.