The First Noel, ELW 300 and LBW 56
1 The first Noel 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
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
2 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
3 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
4 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
5 Then entered in those wise men three,
full rev'rently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Refrain
Devotion
I’m fascinated by stories of people who have strongly felt or experienced God leading them. Maybe it’s been a voice, or a dream – like Joseph’s encounter with the angels last Sunday – or a gut instinct that won’t go away. But of all the signs, the star that appeared to the Magi is particularly curious. In this hymn we sing, “to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went” (v. 3). Clearly the Magi felt compelled to find out more about this mysterious sign – but did they know why, or what to expect, or how long their journey might be? Probably not. Yet because they were open to paying attention to God’s leading, their journey had purpose and meaning.
God just might be giving you a sign to follow today. How open are you to hearing God’s voice, or to following God’s lead?
Prayer
Lord, speak to me today, that I might know your plans for me … and give me the courage to follow where you lead me. Amen.