Voices Together ‎#250

250. The First Noel, the Angel Did Say

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 rev’rently upon the 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, the Angel Did Say
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel
• Meter: Irregular
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Luke 2:8-20
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Epiphany of
• Source: English traditional, Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 2nd ed., 1823

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Meter: Irregular
• Key: D Major
• Source: English traditional, Christmas Carols, 1833