The group formed in 1983 out of Sydney, Australia, where they were located at Hillsong Church, while now they are spread across the globe. Their members have gone on to individually successful careers, the likes of Darlene Zschech, Marty Sampson, Brooke Fraser, Reuben Morgan, and Joel Houston. The group was called Hillsong Live, until June 2014, when they took the name, Hillsong Worship.
The First Noel
Hillsong Worship 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
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly lord
That hath made heaven and earth of naught
And with his blood mankind hath bought
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
The First Noel is a traditional Christmas carol that originated in the 17th century in Cornwall, England. The lyrics narrate the story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to a group of poor shepherds in Bethlehem. The first verse recounts the night of Jesus' birth when the angels told the shepherds about the "good news" of the Savior's arrival in the manger. Despite the icy cold of the winter's night, the shepherds trusted the angels and went out to see the newborn king.
The second verse speaks of the guiding star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. The star shone brighter than any star and marked the exact spot where Jesus was born. The wise men followed the star for days until they finally reached their destination. The third verse describes how the wise men humbly approached the manger and offered their three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
The final verse of The First Noel encourages all believers to come, sing, and praise the Lord Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind through His death on Calvary. The lyrics of this hymn remind us of the awe-inspiring story of Jesus' birth, and it inspires us to offer our worship and gratitude to God for sending His Son to save us.
Line by Line Meaning
The first noel the angels did say
The angels proclaimed the arrival of the first Christmas to certain impoverished shepherds.
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The angels communicated to the shepherds while they were tending their herds in the fields.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were residing in the pastures with their flocks of sheep.
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
The extremely cold, wintry weather surrounded the shepherds while the remarkable events were happening.
Noel, noel, noel, noel
Noel is the word used to express the joyful message of Christmas.
Born is the king of Israel
The much-awaited King of Israel was born in Bethlehem on that first Christmas.
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds directed their attention to a dazzling star shining in the sky.
Shining in the east, beyond them far
The star was situated brightly in the east, far away from the shepherds' location.
And to the earth it gave great light
This star emanated a bright light that illuminated the entire earth.
And so it continued both day and night
The star's brightness remained constant throughout both day and night.
And by the light of that same star
The three wise men were led by the same bright starlight.
Three wise men came from country far
The three wise men traveled a considerable distance from their native land.
To seek for a king was their intent
The wise men were searching for a king who had been prophesied to be born.
And to follow the star wherever it went
The wise men resolved to continue following the star wherever it led them.
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The bright star eventually led the wise men to the northwest of Bethlehem.
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest
The star came to a resting place or hovered over Bethlehem.
And there it did both stop and stay
The star came to a complete stop above the place where Jesus was born.
Right over the place where Jesus lay
The star was positioned straight above where the baby Jesus was lying.
Then entered in those wise men three
The three wise men finally reached the location where the baby Jesus was born.
Full reverently upon their knee
They paid respect to the newborn king, by falling to their knees reverently.
And offered there in his presence
They presented their offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense
The wise men presented their expensive gifts to the newborn King, to honor Him.
Then let us all with one accord
We should all unite and sing praises to God in agreement.
Sing praises to our heavenly lord
We should sing praises to the Lord in heaven, who sent His son Jesus to Earth.
That hath made heaven and earth of naught
God, who created the universe out of nothing, should be praised.
And with his blood mankind hath bought
God redeemed all of humanity by sacrificing His son's blood.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind