The First Noel

Our first Christmas overseas had both positive and negative aspects. Military orders arrived indicating that the next Army assignment would be a posting to Germany. We were so excited for our new adventure, our first outside of the US borders and our first Christmas away from family and friends.  

We enjoyed learning about our host country’s ways of celebrating the birth of Christ. Especially enjoyable were the Christmas markets set up in every town and village. The flavors and smells of the food offered there in the streets still linger today from gluhwein, bratwurst and sauerkraut, stollen, pretzels, and lebkuchen, a gingerbread cookie.  

The church bells rang out in every town on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in celebration. Festive lights everywhere brightened the gloomy winter nights.  

We were very thankful to celebrate Christmas with our new military family in the local mess hall. A wonderful holiday feast was prepared and served with all the fixings. We were grateful for this gathering with new friends but still missed celebrating with our families back home so far away.  

Over the years our Christmas celebrations have come to include many of the German traditions we learned abroad. We are grateful to have served the country all those years ago but are also very happy to be stateside this Christmas as well.  

Reflect on the Word

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

Take a Moment to Pray

A Prayer for the Day After Christmas

Holy God,
On this quiet morning after Christmas,
when the wrapping is gathered up
and the world exhales from its celebration,
let us linger with the shepherds in the fields.
They were ordinary people keeping ordinary watch,
and yet Your glory broke into their night
with a message of good news of great joy for all people.

Like the first Noel sung across the sky,
let Your light rise again in us today—
not only in the brilliance of angels,
but in the steady glow of Your peace
settling into our homes, our hearts, and our weary places.

Teach us to receive this gift the way the shepherds did:
with wonder, with haste, with open hands.
Let the song of “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace”
echo through our choices, our conversations,
and the way we move through the world.

As we step back into ordinary rhythms,
help us remember that You meet us there—
in fields, in workplaces, in quiet kitchens,
in every place where people long for hope.
May the light of Christ, born among us,
continue to guide our steps
and kindle joy that does not fade with the season.

We offer this day to You,
grateful for the Savior who has come,
and trusting in the peace He still brings.
Amen.

Listen to the Carol

The First Noel "sing-along" video with Pentatonix.