The First Noel
The Canterbury Chorale and Strings Lyrics

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Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
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!

Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
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
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel

Overall Meaning

The First Noel is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the Nativity of Jesus as it is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The song begins by recalling the story of the shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. Suddenly, the angels appeared to them, bringing the news of the Savior's birth. Filled with awe and amazement, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves.

The song also references the star that appeared in the sky over Bethlehem, which according to the Gospel of Matthew, led the wise men to the baby Jesus. The star shone brightly in the night sky, providing guidance and hope to those who followed its light. Throughout the song, the refrain of "Noel, Noel" serves as a joyful exclamation of the good news of Jesus's birth, and the final line declares the arrival of the King of Israel.

Line by Line Meaning

Noel, Noel
An expression of joy and celebration

The First Noel, the Angels did say
The angels announced the first Christmas to the poor shepherds

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The shepherds were visited while resting in their fields

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were watching over their flock of sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep
The night was cold and dark

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
An expression of joy and celebration

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

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

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

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 night