The First Noel

Christmas Carol Lyrics

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as 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.

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

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

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over 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 frakincense. Refrain

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

About This Carol

The First Noel is one of the oldest and most beloved traditional English Christmas carols, telling the story of the birth of Christ in a humble, heartfelt way. The word “Noel” comes from the French word for Christmas, derived from the Latin natalis, meaning “birth.” The carol’s title essentially means “The First Christmas.”

Believed to have originated in Cornwall, England in the 17th or possibly even the 16th century, The First Noel was passed down orally through generations before being published in the early 1800s. It was included in the 1823 collection Carols Ancient and Modern, and its simple structure made it easy for congregations and carolers alike to learn and sing.

The carol recounts the Nativity story as told in the Gospels, focusing especially on the shepherds who saw the bright star in the sky and were led to the newborn Jesus. Its repeated refrain - “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!” - builds a sense of awe and celebration that grows with each verse.

Set to a gentle, flowing melody, The First Noel has been cherished for centuries as both a sacred hymn and a tender expression of Christmas joy. Whether sung by a choir or softly at home by candlelight, it captures the wonder of that holy night with grace and humility.

Performance Video

More Christmas Carol Lyrics