Worship in Song ‎#68

68. 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,
Over 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 wisemen three,
Full reverently 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, Noel, Noel
• Publication Date: 1996
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:10-11
  ;
  Luke 2:8-16
• Topic: Children; Christmas; Epiphany; Gifts; Story of Jesus; Light; Nativity
• Source: English carol; Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 2nd ed., 1823

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Harmonizer: John Stainer
• Key: D Major
• Source: William Sandys's Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern, 1833