The First Noel
Peter Knight Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus 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 stop and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
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 classic Christmas song that narrates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as told in the Bible's Gospel of Luke. The lyrics describe the announcement of the good news by angels to shepherds on a cold winter's night in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The word "Noel" is a French word that means "Christmas" and is used as a joyful exclamation in the chorus of the song. The lyrics talk about the star that led the three wise men from the east to the birthplace of Jesus, and how it stopped over the place where Jesus lay. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus that celebrates the birth of the King of Israel.
Line by Line Meaning
The First Noel, the Angels did say
The angels declared the first announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The angels appeared to humble shepherds while they were doing their job in the fields.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were tending to their flock of sheep in the open fields.
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
The night was very cold and dark during winter season.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! (meaning of Noel)
Born is the King of Israel!
The savior and King of Israel, Jesus Christ, has been born.
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds gazed upon a star in the sky.
Shining in the East beyond them far
The star was shining brightly in the eastern direction, far from where the shepherds were.
And to the earth it gave great light
The star provided a bright light to illuminate the whole earth.
And so it continued both day and night.
The star continued to shine both day and night, guiding people towards the birthplace of Jesus.
And by the light of that same star
The wise men followed the same star as the shepherds.
Three Wise men came from country far
Three wise men from distant lands came to find the newborn king.
To seek for a King was their intent
The wise men had the purpose of seeking and worshiping the king of Israel.
And to follow the star wherever it went
The wise men followed the star wherever it led them, until they finally found Jesus.
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star finally approached and descended to the northwest area.
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
The star stopped and settled over Bethlehem.
And there it did both stop and stay
The star remained stationary, indicating the exact spot where Jesus was born.
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
The star was directly above the place where baby Jesus lay in a manger.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! (meaning of Noel)
Born is the King of Israel!
The savior and King of Israel, Jesus Christ, has been born.
Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
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