The First Noel
Sandi Patty with Ambrosian Singers and The London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics

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The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay,
In fields where they,
Laying 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 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!

Overall Meaning

In "The First Noel," Sandi Patty, Ambrosian Singers, and The London Symphony Orchestra beautifully convey the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, as told in the Gospel of Luke. The lyrics speak of the announcement made by angels to poor shepherds who were tending to their flocks on a cold winter's night. The proclamation is that a miraculous event has occurred, and that the King of Israel has been born. The phrase "Noel" is an exclamation of joy that is used to celebrate the news of the birth.

The second stanza speaks of the wise men who followed a beautiful, bright star in the east, which led them to the place where the baby Jesus was born. The star provided a great light and was visible both day and night, guiding the wise men on their journey. They traveled from afar to pay homage to this newborn King, bringing with them three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The final verse repeats the message that the King of Israel has been born, and the joyful exclamation "Noel" is used to celebrate once again.

Line by Line Meaning

The first Noel the angels did say
The initial announcement of Christ's birth was made by angels

Was to certain poor shepherds
The angels delivered the message to some shepherds

In fields as they lay,
The shepherds were resting in fields

In fields where they,
The shepherds were keeping their sheep in those fields

Laying their sheep
The sheep were also resting and lying down

On a cold winter's night
It was a chilly winter evening

That was so deep.
The night was dark and quiet

Noel Noel Noel Noel!
A joyful exclamation about the birth of Jesus

Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel, Jesus, has been born

They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a bright star

Shining in the East beyond them far,
The star was shining in the distant East