Advent Songs: The First Noel | Day 12

Day 12 | The First Noel

Scripture to Ponder: Matthew 2:1-15

Who is this King, born in Bethlehem? That was the question for many. Some wondered at the spectacle. Some worshiped the royal Messiah. Some were threatened by the unusual star shining in the east, over the land of the long-silent God of Israel. King Herod sent his best and brightest to investigate the baby born in Bethlehem, whose story seemed to line with the stars and prophecies. On that first Noel, the wise men never returned to Herod but bowed their knee to the infant King of Israel.

The First Noel | Anonymous Traditional English Carol
1833

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

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

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
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!

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