Lyrics
The first noel
The angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In the fields where 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
(repeat)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
John P. Kee’s rendition of “The First Noel” retells the angelic announcement to shepherds and answers it with a repeated celebration of Christ’s birth. The opening scene remains humble: ordinary workers keep watch in the fields during a cold night when heaven interrupts their routine. Against that quiet setting, the refrain identifies the newborn child as the King of Israel, joining the wonder of the announcement with a direct confession of his royal identity.
The lyric draws most clearly from Luke 2, where an angel announces the birth of the Savior to shepherds and a heavenly multitude praises God. Its title and refrain use the traditional word “Noel,” commonly associated with Christmas and the news of the Nativity. The declaration that a king has been born also recalls the visitors in Matthew 2, who come seeking the King of the Jews. Brief and repetitive, the song keeps attention on the central Christmas proclamation: Jesus has been born, and the news calls for joyful praise.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce the birth of the Savior to shepherds watching their flocks at night.
- Matthew 2:1-2 Visitors from the east seek the child born King of the Jews.