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Christmas is quickly approaching, Noel!

This Christmas carol, The First Noel, is definitely one of the older ones. Some say it goes back to the 15th century, others to the 17th. It was published in 1823 by William B. Sandys and Davies Gilbert added the lyrics to the beloved carol we still sing today. There are several different stories as to its origin so its beginning is a little uncertain. Nowell is the English word and Noel is the French meaning Christmas, taken from the Latin word natalis, meaning birth.

The First Noel
Refrain:
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!

The first ‘Noel!’ the angels 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.

For all to see there was 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.

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.

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.

Then did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie;
One entered in then for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty.

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full rev’rently upon their knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Both gold and myrrh, and frankincense.

Between an ox-stall and an ass
This Child there truly borned was;
For want of clothing they did him lay
All in the manger, among the hay.

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.

If we in our time shall do well
We shall be free from death and hell,
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting-place in general.

Believing to have risen in France during the 15th century, some say the French word actually means birthday. Carried across the channel to England by traveling troubadours, it arrived in 1823 and quickly became a favorite on Christmas Eve. Entire villages gathered for singing and would celebrate the bringing in of the Yule log. Then it was thought that carols were not to be sung inside the church house but outside since they were considered just popular religious songs.

Repeating “Noel, Noel” in the original refrain is comparable to the way we sing Happy Birthday today.

The First Noel tells the story of the birth of Christ. Beginning with the angels declaring His entrance into the world, it ends encouraging us to give praise to God for His creation and salvation. Declaring this Holy Child has come for everyone, there is no respect of persons in the Christmas story! “Let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord!”

The ultimate promise is in the very last stanza as it sounds the hope of the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us if we live for Him.

Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel! Be sure and include Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations. There are many ways you can do that at your family gatherings. One way is to actually read from the Word the Christmas story. Luke 2 is a good place to read and a wonderful way to invite the Savior in to your home as you gather with your families. Put Jesus first!

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