January 4

The First Noel

by Donna Lyn Watson

https://youtu.be/wNpwKJtOJ_Y?si=0VSKpaGHRgOOkz3N

In this Christmas song, we sing: “The first Noel the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.” The term “noel” originates from the Latin verb nasci, which means “to be born.”

What was it like for those ‘poor shepherds in fields where they lay’ to be suddenly confronted with the stunning news that Jesus Christ was born? It brings to mind the night my husband, Eric, suddenly realized he was a father. I had been carrying our baby in my womb for the previous nine months and definitely felt a bond with my womb-mate. After a long labor and the agony of giving birth, we were overjoyed to meet our baby daughter. The first night in the hospital, we somehow managed to all fall asleep after an exhausting day. Eric recalls waking up in the middle of that night to the cries of a baby. Roused from sleep on the uncomfortable hospital sofa bed, he suddenly realized “That’s my baby! I’m a father!” He knew his life had changed forever in that instant. It was shock and joy and sober amazement. The First Noel.  

Those shepherds, likewise, had anticipated a Savior coming to earth, yet the announcement caught them off-guard. It was the fulfillment of a promise so long ago. They had the experience of The First Noel.  This Christmas season, let’s remember the surprise and joy the first Noel brings for all people!