My Christmas after coming to Christ overwhelmed me. With the aroma of dinner wafting in from the kitchen, I sat alone, fixated on the nativity scene under the tree.  Talking and laughter emanated from the other room, drowned out by the Christmas carol was playing–The First Noel. My thoughts were consumed with the astounding wonder of it all–gifts were moved to the side and there was Christ, in the middle of it all.

I am not an outwardly emotional guy, but I couldn’t hold back the tears. My Savior came into the world, He loved me and accepted me. Me, of all people. The God of the universe came for me! Yes, He came to a couple of poor peasants into a dusty stable and lay in a feeding trough that we call a manger. But, He came to me, born into my life in the fall of 1972. It still brings me tears of joy when I take time to contemplate the nativity of my Lord.

The first Noel the angels 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

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel 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

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel

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

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel

This star drew nigh to the north-west
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel

Then entered in those Wise Men three
Fell reverently 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

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of naught
And with his blood mankind hath bought

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel

May this day, the eve before Christmas, remind you and me of the day Jesus was born into our lives. And may we never cease to be rivetted in wonder that God loves us.