The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 245 · Words: Traditional English Carol · Tune: THE FIRST NOEL
The First Noel
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →"The First Noel" is a traditional anonymous English carol of likely medieval origin, first collected in print in the early 19th century. It retells the Nativity story through the experience of shepherds and Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem.
Verse 1
The first Noel
the angel did say
was to certain
poor shepherds
in fields as 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.
Verse 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
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.
Verse 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
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.
Verse 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
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.
Verse 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.
Refrain
Noel, Noel,
Noel, Noel,
born is the
King of Israel.
Appears in these collections
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