The First Noel

Although no Christmas season would be complete without the melodious singing of this tuneful carol, very little is known about its origin. This Christmas carol seems to have begun in France during the 15^th century, so it is a very ancient hymn, between 400 and 500 years old. Noel is a French word meaning “birth.” It comes from the Latin word “natalis,” meaning “birth.” Therefore, the title of this carol means “The First Birth.”

“The First Noel” portrays in vivid narrative style the story of the birth of Jesus. Many times when “The First Noel” is sung, only a few verses are used. But in order to understand and appreciate the entire nativity of Christ’s birth, all six verses of the hymn need to be sung.

Let’s examine each of these verses:

1. The first Noel the angel did say 

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay: 

In fields where they lay a keeping their sheep 

On a cold winter's night that was so deep. 

Noel Noel Noel Noel 

Born is the King of Israel. 

At the first celebration of the birth it was cold, wintry evening in the Bethlehem fields: “there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

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. 

Noel Noel Noel Noel 

Born is the King of Israel. 

We don’t know whether the shepherds were able to see the star that God specially placed in the heavens to announce the birth (Noel) of His only begotten Son. But God had prophesied a star long ago: “A star will come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). Although, God was promising His Son to be the star. Still, God placed a physical star in the evening sky.

3. And by the light of that same star 

Three wise men came from the country far; 

To seek for a King was their intent, 

And to follow the star wherever it went. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 

Born is the King of Israel. 

4. This star drew nigh to the north-west; 

O'er Bethlehem it took its rest, 

And there it did both stop and stay, 

Right over the place where Jesus lay. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 

Born is the King of Israel. 

Wise Men, Magi, astronomers and scientists, discovered a new star as they observed the night skies. Somehow they had learned of the prophecy of the Star of David. They packed up everything and followed the star from the east to the west. God wanted to announce to the world for generations to come the special event of His Son’s birth (Noel), so He placed that star in the heavens. The star led them to Jerusalem, the capital of Judea, where they asked King Herod: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

5. Then entered in those wise men three, 

Fell reverently upon their knee, 

And offered there in his presence 

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 

Born is the king of Israel. 

They followed the star even further until it led them to the house where the toddler Jesus was enjoying His life as a child of Mary and Joseph. We don’t know how many Wise Men actually came to the home of the Holy Family in Bethlehem. We do know that they gave them three very expensive gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. These were birthday (Noel) gifts for the newborn King of Israel. “The star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh (Matthew 2:9-11).

6. Then let us all with one accord 

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, 

That hath made heaven and earth of naught, 

And with his blood mankind has bought. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 

Born is the King of Israel.

Though Jesus was first worshiped by Jewish shepherds and later by Gentile Magi, He is born for all of humanity. Therefore we all join with one accord – with one harmony – to sing praises to our heavenly Lord. Even though it has been over 2,000 years since His birth (Noel), we still celebrate His birthday (Noel) because of who He is and what He has done for us.

The name Jesus means that “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus was born in order to save us from our sins, from ourselves, from the devil, from this world, from death and hell. That is what Christmas is all about – the celebration of our dear Savior’s birth (Noel). He was born here, lived here, died here and was raise again to life here – all so that we would have a new relationship with God, so that we might be saved from our sins and enjoy the eternity of heaven.

This song reminds us of the hope of salvation that came with the birth (Noel) of Jesus. So we sing out today, and every Christmas, and for all eternity: “Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!” Amen.