The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1642

1642. 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 tending 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 lookèd 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 did they know assuredly
Within that house the King did lie;
One entered it them for to see,
And found the Babe in poverty. [Refrain]

6. Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

7. Between an ox stall and an ass,
This Child truly there He was;
For want of clothing they did Him lay
All in a manger, among the hay. [Refrain]

8. 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 hath bought. [Refrain]

9. 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. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Author: Anonymous
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
• Language: English
• Source: English carol
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: This combination of tune and lyrics first appeared in Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, by William Sandys (London: Richard Beckley, 1833).

Tune Information

• Name: [The first Noel the angel did say]
• Composer: Anonymous
• Incipit: 32123 45671 76567
• Key: D Major
• Source: Traditional English carol, possibly dating from as early as the 13th Century.
• Copyright: Public Domain