Core Carols 2: "The First Noel"

“The first Noel”

In English, we say “Merry Christmas!”  In the French language, one would say: “Joyeux Noël!”

We don’t know who wrote the words or music for "The First Noel". This carol is certainly over 200 years old and probably much older.

The first Noel the angel 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.

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

 What can you rhyme with  "sheep"? 

• "In fields where they, lay keeping their sheep, huddled together, yea, piled in a heap."
• "In fields where they, lay keeping their sheep, some were awake, and some were asleep."
  

They look-ed 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!

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 kind of Israel!

The final verse contains no guesses!

Then let us all with one accord,
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
Who hath made heaven
and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind has bought!

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