Or, “The First Christmas,” as the word Noel is actually an early modern English synonym of "Christmas." It was believed to originate in the sixteenth century in England, but wasn’t published until 200 years ago!
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.
Refrain
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! Refrain
This star drew nigh
to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it
took its rest
And there it did
both Pause and stay
Right o'er the
place where Jesus lay. Refrain
Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently
upon their knee
And offered there
in His presence
Their gold and
myrrh and frankincense. Refrain
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 has bought. Refrain
I love how this hymn ties together Jesus’ birth and death. We have reason
to offer our gifts and praise, even more so than the Wise men!
Matthew
2:1-2 and 9-11 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time
of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and
asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his
star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the
star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the
place where the child was. 10 When they saw the
star, they were overjoyed. 11 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, frankincense and myrrh.
What gift will you and I
give to Jesus this “Noel” season?
