Chalice Hymnal ‎#151

151. 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 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,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense: [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel, the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
• Meter: Irr. w. refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Topic: God Known in Jesus Christ: Birth; Christian Year: Christmas; Descants; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ: Birth
• Source: Traditional English carol (17th century)

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Descant: Healey Willan (1926)
• Meter: Irr. w. refrain
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Desc. used by permission of Oxford University Press