Advent (Noel)

I know the meaning of the word "Advent."  I took Latin in high school.  It means "to come."  Pretty simple.  I didn't have to look up the meaning of the word.  "Noel," on the other hand, was different.  I didn't know the origin of the word, and, quite frankly, I didn't really know the meaning.  The word comes from "Old French" and means "Christmas," but has its origin in the Latin word, "natalis" which means "birth" or "to be born".  Today it is generally accepted that "Noel" means, "the birth of Christ." or "Christ is born."

A very well known Christmas carol that we frequently hear and sing this time of year is "Noel, Noel."  The opening line of the carol says, "The first Noel, the angels did say..."  What?!  If the meaning of the word "Noel" is "Christ is born," how can there be a "first Noel?"  You can only be born once.  There is no record in all of history of a person being born twice, or several times.  It is a one time only event.

Or is it?

The word "Advent" that we hear and use this time of year is referring to Christ's coming into the world.  Again, the word means "to come."  When we refer to "Advent," we are thinking about Christ's coming into the world, our world, but in a more specific way. We are thinking about Christ coming to us, entering our lives, His Holy Spirit taking up residence in us and changing us day by day to be the people that God always designed us to be.  He comes to us.  And we've experienced it.  All of us. That quiet moment of stillness when we feel that strange sensation and think "What is that?"  It is unmistakable.  Unexplainable.  But there.  That is the real "Advent," when he comes to us.  

In his book "Revelation," John, the gospel writer, presents this very graphic picture of "Advent," of Christ coming to us.  

"Behold!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me."  Rev 3:20.

That is the "second" Advent, the "second" Noel, when He comes to each of us individually, and seeks to become part of our lives, to be born again in us.  "Welcome, Lord.  Come in."

Advent.  Noel.  "Come, Lord Jesus."

Amen.