The First Noel
The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble 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 Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
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 has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
"The First Noel" is a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. The song recounts the story of the Nativity, specifically the visit of the three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The first verse describes the scene of the angels appearing to the shepherds and announcing the birth of Jesus. This is followed by a verse describing how the Wise Men followed a star to find the baby Jesus. The third verse describes how the star came to rest over Bethlehem, where the Wise Men offered gifts to Jesus. The final verse encourages listeners to sing praises to God for the birth of Jesus.
The melody of "The First Noel" is simple and easy to sing, making it a popular hymn during Christmas services. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. Interestingly, the melody of "The First Noel" is thought to be French in origin, while the lyrics were written in England. Today, the song is recognized and loved worldwide, and remains a beloved part of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
The First Noel, the Angels did say
The Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus, the savior of the world, for the first time
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
They conveyed it to some poor shepherds who were resting in the fields
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were with their sheep, guarding them from any danger
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
It was a cold winter night, and the shepherds were resting in the fields
They looked up and saw a star
The shepherds saw a shining star in the sky
Shining in the East beyond them far
It was a bright star in the east and it was shining far away
And to the earth it gave great light
The star shone brilliantly on the earth and gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
The star kept shining both day and night, without any interruption
And by the light of that same star
Following the same star that the shepherds saw
Three Wise men came from country far
Three wise men from a faraway country followed the star
To seek for a King was their intent
The wise men came to find a king who was born
And to follow the star wherever it went.
The wise men followed the star that led them to the king
This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star moved towards the northwest direction
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
The star stopped over Bethlehem
And there it did both Pause and stay
The star stopped over Bethlehem and stayed there
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
The star stopped shining right above the place where Jesus was born
Then entered in those Wise men three
The three wise men entered the place where Jesus was born
Full reverently upon their knee
The wise men humbly knelt down in front of the newborn king
And offered there in His presence
The wise men offered their precious gifts in front of the newborn king
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
The wise men gifted Jesus with gold, myrrh, and frankincense
Then let us all with one accord
Let us all sing together in harmony
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Let's sing praises to our Lord Almighty who came to earth as a human to save us
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
The Lord Almighty created heaven and earth out of nothing
And with his blood mankind has bought.
He redeemed mankind by sacrificing his blood
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel means 'Christmas,' let's celebrate Christmas
Born is the King of Israel!
Jesus, the king of Israel, is born
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES CALELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind