Sing we now Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear. Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel.

Based upon the classic french carol, Noel Nouvelet, this popular translation has been used by choirs around the English-speaking world. Noel quite literally means “Christmas” (though in certain ways it sounds much prettier). And the carol retells the Christmas story as the melody stirs the soul.

It speaks repeatedly of the King. But we must remember that Christ was not the king that was expected, and definitely not the king that many wanted. He brought a different model to the role – one based on the ancient concept of kingship from the Hebrew scriptures. It is based upon God’s own principles of rule: lifting up the lowly, safeguarding the weak, caring for all.

Christ’s Kingship, recognized at his birth and made visible in his crucifixion and resurrection, calls us to a different model of being in this world. Yes, we who follow Christ are blessed, but not so that we may sit in comfort and splendor. No, we are called to serve – just as Christ did. May we remember our calling as Christmas continues to draw near.