HOW OUR HEARTS SING

Through the corridors of time, certain words carry power that transcends their simple pronunciation. "Noel" is one such word, bearing centuries of joy, anticipation, and wonder in its four simple letters.

As we prepare for our Christmas musical "One Chaotic Still Night," let's unwrap the profound meaning behind this beloved Christmas term.

The story of "Noel" begins in ancient France, where "noël" emerged from the Latin "natalis," meaning birth. During the Middle Ages, French peasants and nobility alike would greet each other with cries of "Noël!" on Christmas Eve. This wasn't just a casual hello – it was a heartfelt announcement that echoed the angels' proclamation to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. As the word traveled across the English Channel, it transformed into "Noel" but retained its sacred significance. Medieval Christmas celebrations would often feature "noëls" –French Christmas carols that told the nativity story. These songs spread across Europe, carrying the word with them and embedding it deeply into Christmas Tradition.

In our modern Christmas carols, "Noel" often serves as both proclamation and praise. The beloved carol "The First Noel" recounts the angels' announcement to the shepherds, while countless other songs incorporate the word as a jubilant refrain. When we sing "Noel" today, we join an unbroken chain of voices stretching back centuries, all celebrating the same miraculous birth. Beyond its literal translation as "birth," Noel carries layers of meaning – as an announcement ("Come and see!"), as a celebration ("Joy to the world!"), as a reminder ("God is with us!"), and as an invitation ("Join in the wonder!").

In "One Chaotic Still Night," when you hear "Noel" woven through the songs, consider its rich heritage.

Like those medieval French villagers and countless generations since, we're using this ancient word to share our own joy at the Christmas story. Each "Noel" sung becomes a link in that historical chain, connecting past to present in celebrating Christ's birth. Today, "Noel" appears on Christmas cards, decorations, and in seasonal greetings. Yet it's more than mere holiday decoration. Each time we use this word, we participate in a tradition of spreading good news that spans cultures and centuries.

In our increasingly fast- paced world, "Noel" reminds us to pause and wonder at the miracle of Christmas.

Whether carved into ancient church walls or featured in our contemporary musical, "Noel" continues to serve its original purpose: announcing the birth that changed the world. It reminds us that the Christmas story isn't just historical – it's personal, present, and powerful enough to still inspire wonder today. 

As we prepare to share "One Chaotic Still Night" with our community, may each "Noel" we sing carry the full weight of its history and hope. In those four letters lies an entire story of faith, joy, and the enduring power of good news shared in song.