Title: The First Noel
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 17, 2025
Bible: Luke 2:8-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Advent Devo #13: The Scandalous Truth Behind "The First Noel"
Why did pagan astrologers travel 1,000 miles to worship Jesus while the religious experts refused to walk five miles? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel uncovers the deep history and conviction behind the folk carol "The First Noel."
In this video, we explore:
The Meaning of Noel: What the word actually means (birth announcement) and the song's origins in the Cornwall region of England.
The Magi vs. The Priests: A look at Matthew 2 and the stark contrast between the worshipful Wise Men and the apathetic religious leaders who knew the Bible but missed the Savior.
The Daniel Connection: How the prophet Daniel likely prepared the way for the Magi centuries in advance.
Scripture References:
Matthew 2:1-12
Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
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