The Hymnbook ‎#156

156. The First Noel

1 The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay a-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 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. [Refrain]

3 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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

5 Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That both made heaven and earth of nought,
And with His blood mankind hath bought. [Refrain]

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-11
  ;
  Luke 2:8-15
• Topic: Christ: Birth and Infancy; Christ: Epiphany; Star in the East; Jesus Christ: His Birth

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: Traditional melody; In Sandys' Christmas Carols, 1833