One of the words we often hear around Christmas time is the word ‘noel,’ which simply refers to the birth of Christ. One of the songs we sing at Christmas time is called The First Noel. That song tells the story of Christ’s birth and the events that followed it. The birth of Christ is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas.
The lyrics of the First Noel can teach us many things about giving this time of year. For example, the first ones to hear the good news of Christ’s birth were poor shepherds. Please understand that I am not the one calling these shepherds ‘poor’ nor am I making a blanket statement about all people who tend sheep for a living. I was the Sheep Superintendent for 25 years! Instead, the words “poor shepherds” are part of the lyrics of the song. Nevertheless, shepherding in biblical times was hardly a rich man’s job.
That these shepherds were poor is significant because it shows God’s care and concern for all human beings. Christmas is for everyone. Christmas is not about getting rich or flashing one’s wealth or spending a lot of money on gifts; instead, it is a time for recognizing the birth of Christ and including everyone we know in that celebration, especially those who may be less fortunate.
