The First Noel

MERRY CHRISTMAS DAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

Today is the day we remember the birthday of Jesus, the first noel. Did you know that one definition of Noel is “birthday” originating from a French/Latin word?  So when we sing The First Noel we are singing “The First Birthday” of Jesus.

LET’S TALK

This Birthday Carol also has a connection to the beginnings of Christmas Caroling. Back in the 17th century, many churches did not allow congregational singing. They left that to trained singers. The laypeople were not good enough to sing and it was even considered profane to have such unprofessional singing in a church. Interesting.

So, guess what? The people took it to the streets and starting singing Christmas Carols throughout the community. One popular carol during this time was The First Noel.  While the people were caroling tunes and words were made up on the fly.  Some speculate that explains the inaccuracy in this carol when it says the shepherds saw the star (2nd verse) which should have been the wise men, right?

As we sing The First Noel we’re reminded that today is the first birthday, the most significant birth in history, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.

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 to the northwest, o’er 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 rev’rently upon their knee, and offered there, in His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav’nly Lord, that hath made heav’n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.

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

BEFORE YOU GO

We wish you a Merry Christmas today and Happy New Year!