The First Noel
Eileen Farrell & Luther Henderson and his Orchestra Lyrics
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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
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!
The song "The First Noel" details the Nativity story, specifically the tale of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. The verses go on to describe the three Wise Men's journey to find the newborn King by following a star in the East. The chorus reiterates the joyous message that "Born is the King of Israel." The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and awe surrounding the miraculous events of Christ's birth, and the song encourages listeners to join together in celebrating and praising God.
Line by Line Meaning
The First Noel, the Angels did say
The angels proclaimed the very first Christmas message
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
Sent to humble shepherds, who were resting outside
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were watching their sheep overnight
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Snow fell on a dark winter night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Born is the King of Israel!
For the King of Israel has been born!
They looked up and saw a star
They looked up and saw a brilliant star
Shining in the East beyond them far
The star shone in the East far away from them
And to the earth it gave great light
The star gave off a bright light
And so it continued both day and night.
The star never stopped giving light, whether during the day or night
And by the light of that same star
By following this star's light
Three Wise men came from country far
Three wise men traveled from a distant land
To seek for a King was their intent
Their goal was to find and honor the newborn King
And to follow the star wherever it went.
They traced the star and followed it
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star led them northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And rested above Bethlehem
And there it did both Pause and stay
The star stopped and stayed there for some time
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Directly above the location where Jesus rested
Then entered in those Wise men three
The three wise men went inside (the house)
Full reverently upon their knee
They knelt down in a respectful manner
And offered there in His presence
In front of Jesus, they presented
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense
Then let us all with one accord
Now, let us all join together
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
To sing songs of praise for our divine Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
Who has created the Heavens and the Earth from nothing
And with his blood mankind has bought.
And redeemed mankind through His blood.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Born is the King of Israel!
For the King of Israel has been born!
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Michael Philip McGlynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind