The First Noel
{You have probably been enjoying Christmas music at church and on your radio since Thanksgiving – or not. For the next five days (December 20-25 excluding Saturday), I will be adding to your joy or misery by giving some context and historical background to a few of the most popular Christian Christmas hymns.}
If you are a stickler about theologically and historically accurate hymn lyrics, “The First Noel” isn’t likely one of your favorites. It has the shepherds seeing the star, which they didn’t, and the Wise Men showing up far too early in than the biblical narrative indicates. Nevertheless, this song has endured for centuries and is a Christmas favorite for many.
As you will see in the lyrics below, there are more verses than we typically sing. Some believe the original had as many as nine verses. Seven are shown below.
The origin and author of the song are somewhat unknown. I say somewhat because we do know that it was written in the 13th or 14th century and was regularly sung in Cornwall, England. Who wrote it is a mystery. It may have been written to be used in a stage play, a popular form of entertainment at that time. However it came to be, it became a song the people of Cornwall sang in the streets to celebrate the joy of Christmas. It wasn’t a church hymn, sung by a choir, but a popular song of the people used in everyday life during the Christmas season.
To be fair to the author, whoever that person was, it may have been more theologically and historically accurate in its original form. The reason I say that it is because it wasn’t published on paper until 1823 when it first appeared in a collection of carols titled “Some Ancient Christmas Carols.” Until then, it was passed down as an oral tradition and sung by memory. It may have morphed over the years into its present form. It is public domain, feel free to revise it and make it better if you are so inclined and gifted in that respect.
It was meant to be a song of hope and joy. The word “Noel” itself comes from the French word which meant “Christmas,” and that came from the Latin “natus” or “nasci” which meant “to be born” or birthday.” So, it is a word which has to do with the day of Christ’s birth and the heavenly announcement of that birth. The French term “joyeux noel” is equivalent to our common phrase, “merry Christmas,” and literally means “the joyous birth of Christ.”
So, next time you or someone else says, “Merry Christmas,” that is what they are saying whether or not they realize it.
The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay,
In fields where they,
Laying 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
Over Bethlehem it took its 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 did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie:
One entered in then for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty:
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!
