The First Noel
Anne Murray Lyrics


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The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's 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!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
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 Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.




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

Overall Meaning

"The First Noel" is a widely renowned Christmas carol that recounts the story of the Nativity, which is the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics vividly describe the appearance of an angel who declares to shepherds in the fields that Jesus has been born. The word "Noel" is sung throughout the piece, and it can be interpreted to mean "Christmas" or "Good news." The chorus of the song declares that the birth of Jesus means that the King of Israel has arrived, which is the purpose of the Nativity.


The lyrics go on to describe the arrival of the Wise Men who journeyed to Bethlehem following a star in the East. The Wise Men traveled from lands far away and intended to seek out the newborn king, and the chorus repeats that He has indeed been born in Israel. When the star led them to the manger of Jesus, they presented Him with gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense in reverence of His royalty. The song concludes with an exhortation for all to celebrate the birth of Jesus and give thanks to God for His miraculous work in creating the universe and redeeming humanity through the blood of His Son.


Line by Line Meaning

The First Noel, the Angels did say
The very first Christmas, the Angels declared to certain poor shepherds


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
On fields where they were tending the sheep


In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
Shepherds kept watch over their flocks on this holy night


On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
The night was dark, silent and still amidst the freezing winter


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, a French word which signifies joyous celebration and mentioning four times to emphasize the occasion


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel, who is none other than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is born


They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds looked up when they saw a bright star


Shining in the East beyond them far
The bright star was shining from the east, far away from the shepherds


And to the earth it gave great light
It illuminated the earth with a great light


And so it continued both day and night.
The star continued to shine both day and night


And by the light of that same star
The three wise men followed the light shining from the same star


Three Wise men came from country far
Three wise men came from a faraway country


To seek for a King was their intent
Their intention was to find the newborn King


And to follow the star wherever it went.
They followed the star wherever it led them


This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star led the wise men towards the northwest


O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And it came to rest over Bethlehem


And there it did both Pause and stay
The star came to a stop and stayed over the place where Jesus was born


Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
It shone directly over the birthplace of Jesus


Then entered in those Wise men three
The three wise men entered the place of Jesus' birth


Full reverently upon their knee
They knelt in deep respect and reverence


And offered there in His presence
In His presence, they offered three gifts – gold, myrrh, and frankincense


Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
They offered expensive and symbolic gifts to Jesus as a sign of reverence


Then let us all with one accord
Let us all join hands and hearts together in unity


Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
And sing praises and thanksgiving to our Lord in heaven


That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
Our Almighty God, who created the heavens and the earth out of nothingness


And with his blood mankind has bought.
And redeemed mankind with His bloodshed on the cross


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel


Born is the King of Israel!
Born is the King of Israel!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Calello

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Robert Thompson


on Me Too

Lyrics found here are completely wrong; completely different song.

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