Moravian Book of Worship ‎#290

290. 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]

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

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel, the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 1:23
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Matthew 3:13-17
  ;
  Luke 2:9-14
• Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas; Christian year--Epiphany
• Source: Trad. English Carol

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trad. melody in Sandy's Christmas Carols (1833)