The First Noel Lyrics
1 The first noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
2 They looked up and say 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.
3 And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
5 Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
The First Noel Hymn Story
The author of the First Noel is unknown, but it is said to be of Cornish origin, i.e. from Cornwall in Southwest England. It is one of the most loved Christmas carols.
It was originally known as “The First Nowell” i.e. “Nowell” instead of “Noel”. And some hymns still use the word Nowell instead of Noel.
Nowell was the early modern English synonym of Christmas.
It was a word that came from French. The French word for Christmas season is Noël which itself is from Latin natalis [dies] [day] of birth.
When I was studying French, I listened to a tape from Michel Thomas who pointed out that many modern English words are of French origin.
He mentioned words ending in -ion as being of French origin.
The British were under the French long time ago and with their rule many French words found their way into English.
Below are more hymns’ lyrics and stories:
We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder Lyris, Story, and Video
God Is Love Lyrics, Story, and Video
Come Down O Love Divine Lyrics, Story, and Video
O Valiant Hearts Lyrics, Story, and Video
O Perfect Love Hymn Lyrics, Story, and Video
