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.Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
First, the Son of God came to the Jews – then to the gentiles.
In Matthew 15, Jesus answers a Cannanite woman that He was sent to the House of Israel.
Got Questions discusses whether Jesus came ONLY to the Jews.
The quick answer is NO. He came to the Jews FIRST.
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.
This is not a Biblical statement, but apparently the star shown bright enough for the magi to follow.
Carrie Underwood singing the first noel
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.
“to seek for a king…and to follow the star wherever it went.”
What a statement of how a Christian is to live their lives!
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
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.
Bethlehem was key – the city of David. This is where the Israelites were promised to see their deliverer arise.
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
There is no biblical text that says THREE wise men – just three gifts.
And yet, this is a beautiful example of all men humbling themselves before Jesus.
1 peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
These wise men have been an example of seeking God with all their heart – raised up by becoming part of the Christmas story because of their dedication and humility.
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 hath bought
This verse is the gospel in a nutshell.
Beginning with Creation in Genesis 1!
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Because of this beautiful gift – we should sing praises to our Heavenly Lord!
Knowing Jesus has a list of verses about singing praises to God! Reading through these, there are so many reasons for one to Sing Praises!
Here’s my favorites:
This one has a very personal meaning:
Psalm 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings
This passage reminds me WHY to praise!
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
May your New year be filled with the knowledge of the gifts God has given you!
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Advent Devotions
Thank you to Christmas Carol Lyrics for providing the lyrics for these Christmas Carols!
Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest
I want to thank
- Blue Letter Bible and
- Bible Gateway and
- Bible Hub
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