Sunday, December 14, 2014

Carols: Advent Devotional - The First Noel

Matthew 1:21
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 


The First Noel
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


It is widely known that noël is the French word for Christmas, but do you know the origin of the word? Noël comes from the Latin word natalis, meaning “birth.” Therefore, the title of the hymn, fully translated, is “The First Birth.” This song is about the nativity story, the birth of Jesus as we read in the Bible. Angels came to Joseph and Mary, telling them, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Jesus came to save us from our sins. That is what this season is about for us: the remembrance of the birth, and the life of Jesus. He was born here, lived here, died here, and was raised again here, all so that we would have a new way to have a relationship with God. This song reminds us of the hope of salvation that came with the birth of Jesus. We celebrate not only the newness of His life, but also the opportunity of new birth offered to each one of us. The King is born! His blood will make us new!

Whatever sin, whatever shortcoming, whatever failure, whatever weakness you have, a child was born, and he has come to save you.

Questions:
What are the things that you need Jesus to save you from?
How could His birth change the lives of people you know this holiday season? What will you do about it?

No comments: