What is your favorite Christmas carol? We all have a
few. These seasonal songs transport us through time to Christmases
past and offer us hope for the future with the Babe now King.
Several years ago I began to chronicle the origins of some of
the Christmas carols. I would enjoy doing the same for your favorite carol.
Just leave a comment with the name of a carol that is near and dear to your
heart. I would also LOVE to read WHY the carol is special to you. I will be
sharing a few of these over the next couple of weeks.
I chose to begin our peek into the past with “The First Noel”,
a carol that may have been written in the 1300’s! Little is known for sure about
its origins. However, when all six verses are sung, it vividly narrates the
entire story of Jesus’ birth. Some
suggest the word “Noel” comes from the Latin natalis, which mean “birthday”. Thus, the joyful repetition of the chorus of
this carol is actually like singing "Happy Birthday” to Jesus!
As a fun way to share what I learned about “The First Noel”,
I wrote an acrostic:
Troubadours
helped spread the message,
heaven’s
newborn King to praise.
englishmen
ran out to hear it.
Finding
joy in every phrase.
interwoven
in these verses
runs
the tale of Jesus’ birth.
simple
and sincere describes it,
telling
how Christ came to Earth.
Noel—Happy
Birthday, Jesus!
overflowing
hearts must sing!
everyone
can join the chorus.
light
the candles! Noels ring!
Often in the rush toward December 25th we lose
sight of the origins of this treasured holiday. “The First Noel” can serve as a
reminder to all of us of Who, what, and why we celebrate!
Merry Christmas!
Pam©2013 Pamela D. Williams
