The First Noel
The Avalon Pops 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 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
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!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King




Born is the King
Born is the King of Israel!

Overall Meaning

"The First Noel" is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe how angels announce the arrival of the messiah to shepherds watching their flocks. The shepherds then follow a bright star in the east, which ultimately leads them to Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem. Later, three wise men from the east join the search, following the same star to arrive at Jesus' location. All sing praises to the newborn King of Israel, who has come to save humanity.


The chorus of the song includes the word “Noel” four times, which is derived from the Latin word “natalis,” meaning “birth.” The word “Noel” is used as a way to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ. The song also references the shepherds and wise men, who were both integral parts of the Christmas story. The lyrics describe the hardship of the cold winter's night and the location where Jesus was born.


The song has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Elvis Presley. Musically, the song is typically performed with a slow, reverent melody, and it's often paired with a choir singing in harmony. The powerful lyrics and beautiful music of "The First Noel" make it a cherished Christmas tradition for many people across the world.


Line by Line Meaning

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Angels proclaimed the first Christmas carol


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The carol was sung to humble shepherds in their fields


In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds spent their days and nights guarding their sheep in the fields


On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
It was a dark and freezing night when the shepherds heard the carol


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
The chorus of the carol, expressing joy and merriment


Born is the King of Israel!
The reason for the shepherds' and everyone's celebration is the birth of the King of Israel


They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a shining star in the sky


Shining in the East beyond them far
The star was far away in the Eastern direction


And to the earth it gave great light
The star illuminated the earth with its brightness


And so it continued both day and night.
The star shone both during the day and the night, non-stop


And by the light of that same star
The star also guided three Wise Men who came from afar


Three Wise men came from country far
The Wise Men traveled from a distant country to visit baby Jesus


To seek for a King was their intent
The Wise Men wanted to find the newborn King


And to follow the star wherever it went.
They followed the star to find the King's location


This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star moved towards the northwest


O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest
The star stopped above Bethlehem


And there it did both Pause and stay
The star stopped and remained stationary above the place where Jesus was born


Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
The star shone directly above the spot where Jesus lay in his manger


Then let us all with one accord
The carol calls for everyone to join in harmonious singing


Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
The praises must go to the Lord who is in Heaven


That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
God created the universe out of nothingness


And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross redeemed humanity from sin and eternal death


Born is the King
The carol repeats the message of the birth of the King of Israel


Born is the King
Same as above


Born is the King of Israel!
Same as above




Writer(s): Carmen Dragon

Contributed by Stella I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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