The First Noel
Will downing (Holiday) 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 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!

Overall Meaning

The First Noel is a traditional Christmas carol that narrates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse tells us that the angels appeared to a group of poor shepherds who were taking care of their sheep in a field. They announced the birth of the savior and instructed the shepherds to go find the baby. Then, in the second verse, we learn that a star led three wise men to where the baby Jesus was born. This star shone brightly in the night sky, illuminating the way for the king's arrival. The final verse encourages us to sing and give praise to the Lord for his great gift of salvation to mankind.


The song's chorus "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!" is a popular refrain in many Christmas carols. Its repetition serves as a call to worship and celebration of Jesus' birth. The word "Noel" is actually derived from the French phrase 'Les bonnes nouvelles', which means 'The Good News', referring to the good news imparted by the angels announcing the birth of Jesus Christ.


Line by Line Meaning

The First Noel, the Angels did say
The Angels exclaimed the First Noel


Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
It was told to poor shepherds lying in a field


In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
The shepherds were lying in a field keeping their sheep


On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
It was a very deep cold winter's night


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel is born!


They looked up and saw a star
They looked up and saw a star


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


And to the earth it gave great light
The star gave great light to the earth


And so it continued both day and night.
The star continued shining both day and night


And by the light of that same star
By the same star's light


Three Wise men came from country far
Three Wise Men came from a faraway country


To seek for a King was their intent
They intended to look for a King


And to follow the star wherever it went.
And to follow the star wherever it went


This star drew nigh to the northwest
The star drew near to the northwest


O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
Over Bethlehem it rested


And there it did both Pause and stay
It paused and stayed there


Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Directly over the place where Jesus lay


Then entered in those Wise men three
Then the three Wise Men entered


Full reverently upon their knee
Fully reverent, on their knees


And offered there in His presence
And offered their gifts in the presence of Him


Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Their gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense


Then let us all with one accord
Let us all together


Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Sing praises to our Lord in Heaven


That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
Who made Heaven and Earth from nothing


And with his blood mankind has bought.
And with His blood, He has redeemed mankind


Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel


Born is the King of Israel!
The King of Israel is born!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN J. CULBERTSON, Traditional Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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