The First Noel
Kurt Bestor & His Orchestra Lyrics
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The angels did say
Was to certain
Poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they may
Keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
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
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
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born
Is the King of Israel
The First Noel is a traditional Christmas carol which tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by recounting the story of the angels who appear to poor shepherds tending to their sheep in the fields. The angels declare the good news that Jesus has been born, and the shepherds respond in awe and wonder. The carol then turns to the story of the Wise Men, who are drawn to the Bethlehem by a star in the East. These three travellers approach the newborn baby, bringing gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense.
The lyrics are rich in imagery, drawing on the symbols associated with the Christmas story, such as the angels who bring news of hope and salvation to ordinary people, the stable where Jesus was born, and the star that guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem. As the carol progresses, it becomes clear that the central message is one of joy and celebration at the arrival of the new King of Israel, who has come to bring peace and goodwill to all people.
Line by Line Meaning
The angels did say
It is said that angels
Was to certain
Visited some specific
Poor shepherds
Who were humble shepherds
In fields as they lay
Lying down in the fields
In fields where they may
Where they could graze their sheep
Keeping their sheep
Taking care of their flocks
On a cold winter's night
On a wintry and chilly night
That was so deep
And the night was intense
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
This was the night of His sacred birth
Born
That marks the advent of
Is the King of Israel
The King of the chosen people of God
They looked up
They lifted their gaze
And saw a star
And saw a special shining heavenly body
Shining in the East
Brilliantly shining in the direction of the East
Beyond them far
Visible at a distance from where they were
And to the Earth
It shone down on Earth
It gave great light
And illuminated the surroundings
And so it continued
The light continued
Both day and night
Both throughout the day and night
Then entered
Next came in
In those Wise men three
Three wise men
Full reverently
Graciously and respectfully
Upon their knee
Kneeling down in honour
And offered there
Presenting there
In His presence
Before Him
Their gold and myrrh
Their precious gifts
And frankincense
Including the aromatic resin called frankincense
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
This is the night of Christmastide
Born
Born to us is
Is the King of Israel
The ruler of God's people
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
This is the night of His holy birth
Born
Born of a virgin
Is the King of Israel
Our Lord and Saviour
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DP, PERCY FAITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind