November, 2024
Session Devotional
The First Noel
This is one of the oldest Christmas songs we sing. While it first made it to print in 1833, it was known at least three hundred years prior to that. Possibly of French origin, some believe it migrated from England to France.
Some versions of the song are, “The First Nowell,” which is the English spelling. Both Noel and Nowell mean the same thing…a joyful shout expressing the exhilaration at the birth of Jesus. Interesting point – in spite of the beautiful yet simple poetry, some of the Biblical points are woefully inadequate.
This is one of the rare Christmas songs that can be classified as a folk song. When it was written, literacy was rare, Bibles were scarce, and worship was in Latin. There was limited knowledge of what the Bible taught.
That was probably the case of The First Noel. The writer probably wrote from memory of stories heard and passed on. For instance, the shepherds following the star to the manger. Also, the wording lends to its simple nature. Here’s an original lyric – “This child truly there born he was.” Not so swift. But the spirit of the words, plus its attachment to an annual Scandinavian event, gave it credence.
During the Middle Ages, English peasants adopted the Viking custom of the Yule log. Families embraced believing it would bring good luck.
Fast forward to those who embraced this custom becoming Christians. The point was never to banish old customs, but rather to fold them into the new. The Yule log reminded believers of the cross. It was lit on Christmas Eve, hopefully lasting until January 6, celebrating the arrival of the wise men and their gifts.
In England, this song was sung at the lighting of the Yule log. It was a song children especially looked forward to hearing. While the words were not originally written down, the beloved song survived.
For centuries, The First Noel wasn’t part of religious services. New songs, no matter how Biblically accurate, were not allowed in most churches. Guess what? The clergy disdained such music. But these songs spoke to the hearts of most people. They related the joy of Christmas, the wonder of God sending a son to save us, no matter who we were or where we lived. These songs became part of family traditions. They were passed on, from generation to generation.
The Yule log and The First Noel most likely made their way from England to France around the fifteenth century. And like their English counterparts, the common people of France embraced the song and its message. In fact, French children sang this song as a round.
Finally published in 1833 by a man who loved and collected folk songs, it grew in popularity, finally finding its way into worship services.
The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
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 its 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 frankincense. [Refrain]
Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Some consider this one of the most misunderstood carols of Christmas. What we hear when we sing “God rest ye merry gentlemen,” is not at all what English peasants heard when they sang it.
Written over five hundred years ago, this was such a beloved song, Dickens included it in his holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” A correct understanding of one simple word makes this one of the most profound and meaningful hymns of the season.
Always remember, many of these songs were written to counter the dark, somber melodies and Latin lyrics of the songs of the day. Simply put, they did not elicit much joy. Most folks disliked the religious songs of the day. What went on in church had to be accepted as the way things were.
So, what happened? The peasant class staged a revolt, of sorts. They began writing songs that were light and lively, in common language. While not scholarly, these songs were widely embraced and carried enough truth of Christmas to gain a following. They often shocked the clergy. But who can argue with a song that celebrates the birth of the Savior in an upbeat and joyful way?
Unlike many of the other carols, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” illustrated that the author knew much of the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. Whilst rejected by most church leaders, this song presented the message of the first Christmas in a better and more accessible way than the church songs.
And now for the best part of the song. Today, we say, “Merry Christmas.” It means happy or joyful. But it wasn’t that way in days of yore. In the Middle Ages, when people spoke of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, what did they mean? Were they his happy men or joyful men? And did rest mean the same then as it means now? And don’t forget the lost punctuation mark.
“Rest” simply means “keep” or “make.” There originally was a comma after “Merry.” And “Merry” originally meant “Mighty.” It all makes sense. “Robin Hood and his Mighty Men.” So it is, “God Make You Mighty, Gentlemen.” And why are we to be mighty? Because, in Jesus Christ, we’ve been freely given God’s grace and mercy. Mighty Christmas, one and all!
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure Virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's pow'r and might
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Most Christmas songs are only sung during Advent. An exception is “Joy to the World,” which started out a regular song that people loved so much, it was moved in to the Advent rotation. This song did just the opposite. Written for Advent, people loved it so much, it was sung at other times of the year, as well.
Charles Wesley wrote over 7,000 songs. It seemed to be his purpose in life. Born in 1707, Charles and his older brother, John, were highly educated. Simply put, John became leader of the movement that would become the Methodist church, while Charles became the prolific writer of hymns.
In 1735, the two brothers journeyed on a mission trip to the new colony of Georgia. Having lived a sheltered life, they were no match for the challenges of the new world. Within a year, a defeated and discouraged Charles returned home. Spiritually confused, he dove into the practices of groups such as the Moravians.
Following a time of drifting and searching, Charles experienced a medical crisis. Struck with pleurisy, he was bedridden for months. After reading Isaiah 40:1 {“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”}, Wesley wrote, “I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ. I want to be still sensible of my own weakness, yet confident of Christ’s protection.”
The next day, Wesley wrote these words:
Where shall my wondering soul begin?
How shall I all to heaven aspire?
A slave redeemed from death and sin,
A brand plucked from eternal fire?
How shall I equal triumph raise
Or sing my great Deliverer’s praise?
A year later, a now recovered Charles Wesley wrote, “Oh for a Thousand Tongues to
Sing.” It would launch his career as a composer of hymns. Today, “Come, Thou Long-
Expected Jesus” has emerged as his second most popular Christmas carol.
After reading Haggai 2:7 {“And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.”}, Wesley was inspired to write this beautiful song. He considered what Jesus’ birth meant to the world’s people. Hunger and poverty were common. Orphans were all around. Slavery was prominent.
As he considered the plight of so many, Wesley found himself looking forward to the second coming of Christ. But Wesley realized God’s timing would take precedence over humankind’s desires.
With that in mind, he began to jot down the lines of our song at hand. More than a babe in the manger, Wesley wrote about the adult king who came to set people free. Wesley’s lyrics embraced both the mighty power of God and the loving nature of Jesus. While the power would deliver us from sin, God’s love would ultimately change us into being more like Jesus. This song is the perfect marriage of love and power.
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.
In 1788, forty-four years after its publication, Wesley was on his death-bed. Barely able to speak, he asked his wife, Sally, to write down his final words: In age and feebleness extreme,/Who shall a helpless worm redeem?/Jesus, my only hope thou art,/Strength of my failing flesh and heart,/O, could I catch a smile from Thee/And drop into eternity!
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