Hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelu, hallelujah
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
Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing Noel
Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing Noel
They looked above 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
Hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelu, hallelujah
Hallelu, hallelujah
My heart has found no greater love
Than a King who would offer his only son
To save us all from the shadow of sin
Oh, light of the world, may our praise never end
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing Noel
Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing Noel
The First Noel Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The First Noel by Matthew West is a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
I. Introduction to the Song
The song begins with the familiar lines "Hallelu, hallelujah" repeated four times. This serves as an introduction and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The repetition of "Hallelu, hallelujah" creates a sense of joy and celebration, which is fitting for a song about the birth of Jesus.
II. The First Noel - A Message of Hope
The First Noel is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the shepherds who were visited by an angel and told of the birth of Jesus. Matthew West's rendition of the song stays true to the original lyrics, with a few minor variations.
"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"
These opening lines set the scene for the song, describing the shepherds who were visited by an angel while tending their sheep. The mention of the shepherds being "certain poor" emphasizes the humble nature of Jesus' birth. The song reminds us that Jesus came into the world not as a king in a palace, but as a humble baby in a manger.
III. The Significance of the Star
"They looked above 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"
One of the key elements of the Christmas story is the star that led the wise men to Jesus. In the song, Matthew West highlights the significance of the star by mentioning it in the lyrics. The star is described as shining in the East and giving great light to the Earth. This emphasizes the guiding role of the star, leading the wise men to the Savior.
IV. Noel, Noel - Proclaiming the Good News
"Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel"
The word "Noel" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a joyful proclamation of the good news of Jesus' birth. The lyrics declare that the King of Israel is born, further emphasizing the significance of Jesus' birth and his role as the Savior.
V. Reflecting on the Love of God
"My heart has found no greater love
Than a King who would offer his only son
To save us all from the shadow of sin
Oh, light of the world, may our praise never end"
In these lines, Matthew West reflects on the incredible love of God, who sent his only Son to save us from sin. The song acknowledges that there is no greater love than the sacrificial love of Jesus, who willingly gave his life for us. The mention of Jesus as the "light of the world" connects back to the star mentioned earlier in the song, symbolizing Jesus' role as the guiding light that leads us out of darkness.
VI. The Biblical Accuracy of the Song
The First Noel by Matthew West stays true to the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth as described in the Gospel of Luke. The mention of the angel appearing to the shepherds, the star guiding the wise men, and Jesus being born in a humble manger are all consistent with the biblical account. The song accurately portrays the key elements of the Christmas story and celebrates the birth of Jesus as the Savior.
In Luke 2:8-14, we read about the shepherds being visited by an angel who proclaimed the good news of Jesus' birth:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
'Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
The lyrics of The First Noel align with this biblical account, accurately portraying the shepherds being visited by an angel and the subsequent proclamation of the good news.
VII. Conclusion
The First Noel by Matthew West is a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol that accurately portrays the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth. The song conveys a message of hope, reflecting on the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth and the incredible love of God. Through its joyful proclamation of the good news, The First Noel reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the Savior who was born to save us from our sins.
