If I had to guess, I would say everyone has a favorite version of The First Nowell. Personally, mine is by the Pentatonix. Their trademark five-part harmony allows already powerful lyrics to build until the last chorus explodes into a chill bump inducing finale. A familiar hymn, a treasured hymn that has been performed in countless styles, by countless artists since the 15th century. It is exciting to hear a new arrangement or a beautiful accompaniment, but more than anything we love the story it tells!
Our hymnal uses “Nowell,” meaning birth; and it is the English spelling derived from the French, “noël,” meaning Christmas. Sources provide many meanings and roots for noel, however, no matter the spelling or the language of origin, the message is the same. This hymn takes us on a journey alongside those experiencing and sharing the news of the birth of Christ. Can you imagine what it must have been like? The shepherds in the fields tending to their sheep as they always had and in an instant their lives changed forever.
Frederick Buechner once wrote, “If you do not hear in the message of Christmas something that must strike some as blasphemy and others as sheer fantasy, the chances are you have not heard the message for what it is.” The shepherds took point from an angel and followed a star in the sky. Buechner is right, there is beauty and magic in that. The message of Noel, the message of Christmas, is something that in an instant changed our lives too. The First Nowell, the Angel brought forth good news, promising great joy for all people. That’s us! Isn’t that amazing? Despite the difficulties we face and the bad days we may have, it is hard for me not to feel hopeful when I remember this.
“Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!”
We remember the message of good news for all people. We remember that where once it was dark, there is now light. We remember that God sent Christ as a sign of hope and promise, peace on Earth, goodwill to all.
Merry Christmas with Love,
Sarah Laurence
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