Thanks for being a Hymnary.org user. You are one of more than 10 million people from 200-plus countries around the world who have benefitted from the Hymnary website in 2024! If you feel moved to support our work today with a gift of any amount and a word of encouragement, we would be grateful.

You can donate online at our secure giving site.

Or, if you'd like to make a gift by check, please make it out to CCEL and mail it to:
Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 3201 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
And may the promise of Advent be yours this day and always.

205. 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 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 rev'rently 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 heav'nly Lord;
That hath made heav'n and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought. (Refrain)

Text Information
First Line: The first Noel, the angel did say
Title: The First Noel
Language: English
Publication Date: 1989
Topic: Jesus Christ: Birth
Source: Traditional English carol
Tune Information
Name: [The first Noel, the angel did say]
Arranger: John Stainer
Key: D Major
Source: W. Sandys' Christmas Carol



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.