Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter night that was so deep

Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East, beyond them far
And to the Earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night

Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

This star drew nigh to the Northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay

Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

Overall Meaning

The song "The First Noël" is a classic Christmas carol that was first published in 1833 in "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern". The lyrics describe the story of how the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, who then traveled to see him in Bethlehem. The repeated refrain of "Noel, Noel" serves as a celebratory exclamation of the birth of the King of Israel.

The first verse sets the scene of the shepherds in the fields as they were visited by the angel who told them of the birth of Jesus. The second verse describes the star that appeared in the sky, leading the shepherds to the stable where Jesus was born. The third verse describes how the star came to rest over the place where Jesus lay, guiding the shepherds to the exact location.

The carol is filled with religious imagery and symbolism, with the star and angels representing the guidance and divine intervention leading to the birth of Jesus. The repetitive nature of the song's lyrics helps to reinforce the joyous nature of the event being celebrated.

Line by Line Meaning

Noel, Noel
Joy to the world

Born is the King of Israel
The ruler of Israel has been born

The first Noel the angel did say
The angel proclaimed the first Christmas message

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
Shepherds were told of the news as they kept guard over their flocks

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
They were working in the fields, watching over their sheep

On a cold winter night that was so deep
The weather was bitterly cold and the night was very dark

Noel, Noel
Joy to the world

Born is the King of Israel
The ruler of Israel has been born

They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a bright light in the sky

Shining in the East, beyond them far
It was emanating from the east, far away from them

And to the Earth it gave great light
It shone down on the Earth and provided a great amount of light

And so it continued both day and night
Day and night, the star remained in the sky

Noel, Noel
Joy to the world

Born is the King of Israel
The ruler of Israel has been born

This star drew nigh to the Northwest
The star moved closer and closer, toward the northwest

O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
It stopped over Bethlehem

And there it did both stop and stay
It stopped there and remained still

Right over the place where Jesus lay
Directly above the spot where Jesus was laid

Noel, Noel
Joy to the world

Born is the King of Israel
The ruler of Israel has been born

Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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