The popular Christmas Carol, The First Noël, is believed to date from the 13th or 14th century, a time in which all medieval civilization in Europe was springing to life. The inspiration for the story of the song comes from dramatizations of favorite Bible stories for holidays, which were called the Miracle Plays, and were very popular during this time. It tells the story of the night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, based on the Gospel accounts in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

Noël is the French word for Christmas and is from the Latin natalis, meaning "birthday." Most medieval poetry was written to be sung, so it is presumed that the words were written with an existing tune in mind. This makes the tune to the song even older, and is likely English or French.


THE FIRST NOEL

"The First Noel" midi playing

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!

The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
Songwriters: Anonymous  Published by Public Domain
YouTube: ‘The First Noel’  A Cappella Christmas Carol From Pentatonix

       


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