The First Noel
The December People Lyrics

The first Noel, the Angels did say
According to the angels, the very first announcement of Jesus' birth was made

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The news was given specifically to shepherds who were tending to their sheep at that moment

In the fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were doing their job, taking care of the sheep, when the angels appeared to tell them the news

On a cold winter's night that was, oh so, so deep
The night was very cold and dark, emphasizing that the birth of Jesus brought light and warmth into the world

Looking out, they saw a star
The shepherds saw a new and bright star in the sky

In the east beyond them far
The star was very far away, in the eastern direction from where the shepherds stood

And to the earth it gave light
The star illuminated the earth, perhaps signifying the new hope and joy that Jesus' birth brought

So they continued day and night
The shepherds followed the star, journeying day and night to find the source of the light

By the light of that star
The light of the star guided the three wise men to the place where Jesus was born

Three wise men came from far
The wise men traveled a great distance to see the newborn king

To seek the King was their intent
The wise men's sole purpose was to find and pay tribute to the new king who had been born

And to follow the star wherever it went
The wise men followed the star, believing it would lead them to the new king

Well, this star drew to northwest
The star changed direction from east to northwest, leading the wise men to Bethlehem

Over Bethlehem it rest
The star stopped moving over Bethlehem, indicating to the wise men that they had found the newborn king

And there it stopped and there it stayed
The star remained stationary over the place where Jesus was born, as if pointing out his location

Over the place where Jesus lay
The star shone directly over the location where Jesus was born

And those wise men three
The three wise men who followed the star

Fell upon their knees
The wise men showed reverence and respect by bowing down before baby Jesus

And offered there in His presence
The wise men presented their gifts to Jesus while he was in their presence

Their gifts for all to see
The gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus were displayed publicly for everyone to witness and acknowledge

Born is the King of Israel
Jesus is the new king of Israel, as prophesied, and his birth is the reason for the celebration of Christmas