(If you’d like to read the other days, you can do so by clicking here. Don’t forget I’m making a playlist in Spotify as we go through this series, you can subscribe to here.)

The First Noel

This traditional english carol from as early as the 17th century (not known for sure) was first published in two books, both of which were edited by William B. Sandy (Carols Ancient and Modern – 1823 and Gilbert and Sandys Carols – 1833). The word Noel originally meant birthday in Latin, though is used in other languages for Christmas.

This is one of the most well-known and most sung carols at Christmastime. Chances are pretty good that you could go to any church around the world at Christmas and hear this song. It has been rearranged hundreds of times and will continue to be revitalized for years to come.

Interesting fact, though the song is sung at Christmastime, it too (just like We Three Kings) is actually more of an epiphany song (epiphany being the celebration of the coming of the Magi from the east).

Todays arrangement of the song is an instrumental version of the song I did on my Christmas CD, “When The Snow Falls.”

(The recording below is from my album: “When The Snow Falls” which is available on iTunes.)

 

Since todays version is instrumental, maybe you want to read the lyrics for yourself!

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;
In fields as 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 rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over 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 naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.

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