The First Noel
Mathis Johnny 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
Shining in the 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.
This star drew night to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
The song "The First Noel" tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of the shepherds who were visited by angels in the field. According to the lyrics, an angel appeared to these shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus Christ. The shepherds were then guided by a bright star towards Bethlehem where they found Jesus lying in a manger. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of wonder and awe that the shepherds must have felt upon encountering this miraculous event.
The use of the word "Noel" in the chorus is interesting as it has an unknown origin, but it has been historically used to refer to Christmas celebrations. The lyrics also reference the star that guided the shepherds to Christ which is symbolic of the bright and shining hope that Jesus brings to the world. The melody of the song is soothing and calming which adds to the sense of peace and joy that Christmas brings to people.
Line by Line Meaning
The first Noel, the angel did say,
The angel spoke the first message of Christmas
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
The message was given to humble shepherds in a field
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
The shepherds were in a field watching over their flock
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
The night was dark and cold, emphasizing the humble beginnings of Jesus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Repeating the word 'Noel' is a celebratory exclamation
Born is the King of Israel
Jesus, our king, has been born
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a miraculous sign from God
Shining in the the East, beyond them far;
The star was in the east, far away but still visible
And to the earth it gave great light,
The star gave out a bright light to the earth
And so it continued both day and night.
The star shone continuously, day and night
This star drew night to the northwest,
The star moved towards the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest;
The star stopped and rested over Bethlehem
And there it did both stop and stay,
The star remained over Bethlehem
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
The star shone directly above the place where Jesus was born
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Repeating the word 'Noel' is a celebratory exclamation
Born is the King of Israel.
Jesus, our king, has been born
Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Traditional
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