The First Noel
Jim Brickman Lyrics


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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'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 the 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
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel




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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jim Brickman's The First Noel depict the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as told in the Bible's Nativity narrative. The song is often sung during Christmas celebrations and is considered a classic Christmas carol. The first verse speaks of an angel who appeared to poor shepherds as they watched over their sheep in a field. The angel announced the birth of Jesus, which was to bring peace and hope to the world. The second verse talks about the wise men who followed a star to find the newborn king. The song ends with a repetition of "Noel" and "Born is the King of Israel" as a celebration of the birth of Jesus.


The song has a traditional tune and uses the term "Noel," which means "Christmas" in French. By using the term "Noel," the song is emphasizing the significance of the birth of Christ as the reason for celebrating Christmas. The phrase "Born is the King of Israel" further emphasizes this significance as it proclaims Jesus as the savior and messiah promised by the Old Testament scriptures.


Line by Line Meaning

The first Noel the angel did say
The very first Christmas was announced by an angel.


Was to certain poor shepherds
These angels appeared to some poverty-stricken shepherds.


In fields as they lay
These shepherds were out in the fields, tending their flocks.


In fields where they Lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter's night That was so deep.
The shepherds were outside, in the cold, and it was wintertime.


Noel, Noel Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel
This is a refrain, celebrating the birth of Jesus, 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
The shepherds saw a bright star shining in the east, which illuminated the earth both day and night.


And by the light of that same star Three wise men came From the country far To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star Wherever it went.
Three wise men followed that same star from a distant land, seeking to find the newborn King.


Noel, Noel Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel
This is still the refrain, celebrating the birth of the King of Israel.


Born is the King of Israel
Jesus Christ was born, and he is the King of Israel.




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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Comments from YouTube:

@richardpetrey2010

Absolutely the most beautiful song of Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!❤🥹

@sarahbratty5931

I have to listen to this every year without fail.. it's my favorite arrangement and favorite to play. It was the muse for my own arrangement of Silent Night. Thank you for all your music throughout the years...❤

@kaymerry369

By our Christ birth was brought uncountable blessings. Beautiful melody of joy as this .

@sarahbratty5931

Thank you for that.. ...you don't know how much it means to me & my life right now with the turmoil that's going on. Thank you!

@ruthnoelmarie...9061

🙏🏻✨🥰✌🏻

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