Christmas Carol Ponderings ... The First Noel
Well, if you've been leaving comments on my Carol Pondering bloggings the past few days, please don't think that I've been ignoring you. In fact, I've been attempting to answer you ... but my computer (I think it's me and not enetation) isn't allowing me to do so. Aarrgghh ... I'm having other problems with my computer, too ... and I really don't want to buy a new computer any time soon. We'll just have to see.
Anyway ... the pondering today is from the song The First Noel. Consider these lyrics, especially the final verse:
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as 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.
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
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
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense. Refrain
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought. Refrain
I know that the message repeats itself in most of the Christmas carols (isn't that the point?) ... but it's such a simple, yet profound message. The carols call all men to give honor and praise to the Savior and Lord who was born to purchase salvation for all people. The shepherds paid Him homage ... the wise men paid Him homage ... and do I truly pay Him homage?
