December 25

147 The First Nowell

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

Devotion

Some years ago, I celebrated Christmas in the hospital. The occasion for my being there was joyful, as our daughter Hailey had been born five days earlier. However, I was disappointed not to be home to celebrate her first Christmas and enjoy our holiday traditions—candlelight service, carols, eggnog, and tree lights. My spirits were as bleak as the hospital room which it felt like I had occupied for months not days. Len had to leave to warm the house and pick up the new Nana at the airport. Feeling lonesome and out of sorts, I settled into bed, snuggled my precious baby close, and strained to hear those tiny reindeer hooves on the roof…

When who should appear with twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks and chattering teeth but my sister-in-law? She is a tender-hearted soul who couldn’t bear the thought of us in the hospital at Christmas. She came ready to sing—a beloved pastime for our family and a sweet gift indeed. The halls were quiet, and our harmony began timidly.
“Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright… Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace.”

I leaned back and let her sweet, pure voice fill my ears. The beloved carols celebrating the birth of Christ lifted my spirits and summoned wonder and gratitude. I thought of the manger—and those faithful parents who so long ago welcomed their baby son far away from home. I reached for the sleeping bundle beside me, perfect and helpless. I could hardly imagine being entrusted with her care.

“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head…”

In just that same way, God entrusted the world with the care of the Christ child. What a gesture of love to reach out to us in a way so real and clear. How can we misunderstand or ignore the gift of Jesus, whose life bore the same rhythms and milestones as our own? Incarnate.

 “Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care.”

Even as we become parents and grandparents, we will always remain God’s beloved children.

And so with joy, we welcome Jesus again—Emmanuel, Savior, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Lord of Lords…

“Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!”

Renée Duffee Clark

Prayer

How amazing, O God, that you would choose to enter the world as an infant. You truly are a God of mysterious ways. Just as a newborn depends on her mother for sustenance, nurture, and comfort, may we place ourselves in your tender care. Amen.