The First Noel

The First Noel was put to print in 1833, but it was written approximately 300 years before that.





The author is unknown but was likely a peasant. During the Middle Ages, most people were illiterate. He didn't "write" the song in the traditional sense (on paper). It was a song of the people, a Christmas folk song. The church, at the time, would've rejected it as "new music". So it wouldn't have been sung in church.

There is also a small scriptural discrepancy. Beings the author was



illiterate, he/she wouldn't have been able to read the Bible on his/her own. Besides that fact, Bibles at that time were not well circulated, and most common people never saw an actual Bible in person.



In the second verse is says , 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. In actuality, the shepherds didn't follow the star to the stable to see Jesus. The angels appeared to them and told them about it. Only the wise men followed the star.

My favorite part about this song is the meaning of the word, Noel.

The definition is a joyful shout expressing the exhilaration at the birth of Christ. It also means Christmas in French. It can also mean good news, and it can mean birthday. Any of those apply. The First Christmas, The First Birthday, The First Good News, The First Joyful Shout........ the culmination of all of those definitions is the fact that Jesus was born! He had to be born, to be able to die on the cross. The cross is the focal point of his coming. It was the purpose. To redeem His people. You and me. That is why the angels proclaimed the good news to the shepherds. It was like announcing, "Your rescuer is HERE!" If you were at death's door, and someone showed up to save you, that would be the a pivotal moment in your life, a reason to celebrate, it would cause extreme joy and thankfulness.

Let us think on that as we hear this carol this Christmas season. Our rescuer has arrived, and His name is Jesus!

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
Chorus: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel



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



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 through the northwest
Over Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay



Then entered in those wise men three
Full of rev'rently upon their knee
and offered there in His presence
Their gold, and myrrh and frankincense