The First Noel
Roberta Peters & The Firestone Orchestra and 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 carol that tells of the story of the nativity. The song begins with the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock at night. The angel’s message is that a savior has been born in Bethlehem. One of the themes of this song is the unexpected nature of Jesus’s birth because the shepherds were among the lowliest members of their society, yet they were the first to hear the good news. The second verse of the song narrates the journey of the Wise Men from the East, who followed a star in search of the newborn king. When they arrive at Bethlehem, guided by the light of the same star, they offer the Christ child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This song also celebrates the magnificent light that shone from the star guiding the Wise Men to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus in a manger. The chorus of the song rejoices at the birth of Jesus, with Noel being a French word that means Christmas and is often used in songs to express joy and celebration.
The origins of "The First Noel" are not clear, although it was likely composed in the 17th or 18th century in rural England. Over the centuries, the song has evolved, with new interpretations and arrangements. Some interesting facts about "The First Noel" include:
Line by Line Meaning
The First Noel, the Angels did say
The Heavenly messengers proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
These tidings were shared to some shepherds in a meadow as they rested
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
These shepherds were guarding their flock in the fields
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
It was a freezing midwinter eve and darkness was heavy.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
They sing Noel or good news about the birth of Christ
Born is the King of Israel!
This babe that has been born is the ruler of Israel
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a shining heavenly body
Shining in the East beyond them far
It was glittering from the far-away eastern horizon
And to the earth it gave great light
It was a very bright light that illuminated the Earth
And so it continued both day and night.
This star shone uninterruptedly day and night
And by the light of that same star
The wise men were led by this same radiance
Three Wise men came from country far
Three kings journeyed from far-off lands
To seek for a King was their intent
They sought the King whose birth was foretold.
And to follow the star wherever it went
They tracked this beacon to its destination
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star traveled to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
The star came to rest at Bethlehem
And there it did both stop and stay
The star stood still and remained there
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
Its shine was centered on the spot where Christ lay
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
They proclaim Noel or good tidings about the birth of Christ
Born is the King of Israel!
The new-born incarnate is the King of Israel
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Stuart Tamanaha
I wish you could do vol vol 2 which has the rise stevens version of 12 Days of Xchristmas
Stuart Tamanaha
This is the 12 days that I remember as a kid
The Vinyl Restoration Project
@Stuart Tamanaha Hi! I'll see what I can do. I am trying to carve out enough time to work on at least two more Christmas selections and I will make this one, one of them. Can't make any promises in time for this year but nevertheless, I have it now on my radar. Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestion. She had a phenomenal voice, as did Roberta Peters. 🎶