CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
December 18, 2005
LIFT UP IN PRAYER:
Our congregation Our nation, military and leaders
David and James in the military Various friends, relatives and co-workers
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 21 - we will meet at the Oller's for Wednesday fellowship at 7 PM
Dec. 25 - we will meet at 4 PM to celebrate the life of Jesus
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
SING WE NOEL
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7).
The reason I think we should be singing what are called “carols” or “Christmas songs” is that they tell us about more than just the birth of Christ; they tell us about His purpose in coming into this world. Such is the song “Sing We Noel.” The word “noel” means birth and is applied to the birth of Christ. It is also in current usage connected to a song or a carol. Let’s take a look at this wonderful song with a nice beat but not as familiar or popular as the traditional carols we sing.
“Sing we all Noel, hear the music all around,
Sing we all Noel, let the joy resound.”
This is familiar in that the angel came and announced to the shepherds the birth of the Messiah and then was joined by the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). If ever there was an important birth announcement, this was it. No other birth received such an introduction. Kings and queens have been born and through the use of modern technology, that announcement is sent around the world, but it is just not the same. It was also an announcement of joy. Isn’t that what many looking for in life, a little joy? One former radio talk show host always closed his show by saying, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy.” Yet many disappointments come our way to do just that, and we let them. Relationships, jobs, natural events, critics, and more take our joy away. We forget that we “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” in Christ (1 Peter 1:8).
This is a joy we are to share as well.
“Noel, noel, noel, let our voices rise
As we sing a song of praise and lift our music to the skies
Noel, noel, noel, sing it loud and clear
So that all on earth may know our joy this season of the year.”
If the author is talking about “noel” in the sense of the birth of Jesus, then we have a story to tell that brings peace and joy to the hearts of humankind. If the author is talking about “noel” as a carol, then we sing the message of joy, and that should be heard in the reflection of our voices. That was the message of the angels at the announcement of the birth of Jesus and continues to be today. With all the worries we find in the world, we should let God handle them (see Matthew 6:33) and praise Him for doing so.
“Sing we all Noel, with a joyous roudelet,
Sing we all Noel, hear the news today.”
There are different tempos to various songs, yet sometimes we end up singing the same tempo to every song, whether always slow or always fast. Rather each song should be enhanced by our joy and the message we are telling. That message is found in the following words.
“Sing we all Noel, a joyous song of praise
To our God incarnate, exalt Him all our days.”
Why do we sing praise to God? The word “incarnate” expresses the idea that God has come into His creation (see John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-8). Again, God is active in His creation, not one who is sitting out there somewhere watching and waiting. This is God’s purpose and plan, to come and rescue us from our sins.
“Sing we all Noel, the gladsome tidings bring
Lift our God on high as His praises now we sing
Sing we all Noel, our hearts with love aflame
Praising Christ our Savior, we bless His holy name.”
The author now brings in our hearts “with love aflame.” Relationship is what it is all about, a redemptive fellowship with our heavenly Father and the King of the universe. It is also about the Savior He sent, so that we bless His name because of that.
“Sing we all Noel, to Jesus Christ on high
For our sins He suffered, left Heaven’s throne to die.”
This is the meaning of the announcement of the angels. The good news or glad tidings is that Jesus came to die for us. He is the sin offering given for us so that we can be freed from sin to walk with God (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). His sinless sacrifice on our behalf, upon acceptance, releases us from our bondage to sin. We could not do it hence the joylessness seen in the world. What brings joy is knowing that in God’s great love for His creation, He was willing to redeem us from what we had done. He stepped forth in all His innocence to pay the price for what we were guilty of, what had caused separation between Him and us. Now that should be something to bring joy!
“Sing we all Noel, with all our heart’s great joy
In our Savior’s praises our song we now employ.”
We sing this carol of our joy and to His praise and glory, just like the angels did. We have become part of the heavenly chorus in our salvation from sin based on the blood shed on the cross for us. Joy is found in Christ. Many have tried to substitute the joy of Jesus with any number of things during this time of the year. Gifts, parties, decorations, secular songs, fancy dress, and even sports are used as an attempt to find joy that will fill the heart, but they are only momentary. Studies have shown that loneliness and depression are part of the holiday season as well. The real joy is in the announcement and meaning of the birth of the Christ in Bethlehem. It is in our relationship with God in Christ that our hearts find the peace that passes all understanding (see Philippians 4:6-8).
This song focuses our attention on what many are looking for and need: joy. Hopefully one day it will join the traditional carols as a favorite. Until then, keep in mind that the birth of Jesus led to the cross and to our redemption and joy.
George B. Mearns