Maverick City Music - The First Noel Lyrics
Lyrics
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
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Born is the King, born is the King
Born is the King of Israel
Born is the King, born is the King
Born is the King of Israel
Born is the King, born is the King
Born is the King of Israel
Born is the King, born is the King
Born is the King of Israel
Video
The First Noel (feat. Majesty Rose) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL
Meaning & Inspiration
Maverick City Music delivered a refreshing take on the beloved carol, "The First Noel," released on November 25, 2020, as part of their "Maverick City Christmas" album. This particular rendition breathes new life into a centuries-old hymn, grounding it firmly in its scriptural origins while imbuing it with the raw, communal worship energy characteristic of Maverick City. The original carol itself traces its roots back to 18th-century England, a humble folk song that became a cornerstone of Christmas celebrations, recounting the miraculous birth of Jesus. Maverick City's approach respects this rich history, but their interpretation elevates the narrative, transforming it into a powerful declaration of Christ's sovereignty, perfectly suited for contemporary devotion.
The song immediately immerses us in the pivotal scene of the Nativity, starting with "The first Noel the angels did say / Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay." This opening line is a direct echo of Luke 2:8-9, where angels appear not to kings or religious leaders, but to ordinary shepherds "keeping watch over their flock by night." The choice of these humble, often marginalized individuals as the first recipients of such monumental news underscores a profound theological truth: God’s salvation is for everyone, especially the overlooked. The "cold winter's night that was so deep" not only sets the scene but subtly hints at the spiritual darkness that permeated the world before the arrival of the Light, a darkness that Isaiah 9:2 speaks of, where "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." The recurring refrain, "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel / Born is the King of Israel," serves as the joyful, triumphant announcement, with "Noel" itself meaning "birth," powerfully affirming the advent of the Messiah prophesied for generations.
As the song progresses, it shifts focus, drawing our attention to another miraculous sign: "They looked up and saw a star / Shining in the east beyond them far." While the initial verses center on the shepherds, this stanza broadens the scope of the Nativity story, evoking the journey of the Magi guided by the star, as detailed in Matthew 2:1-2. This celestial beacon, which "gave great light / And so it continued both day and night," symbolizes divine guidance and revelation. It was a sign so potent and clear that it led seekers from distant lands to the very presence of the newborn King. The persistent light of the star is a beautiful metaphor for God's unchanging and unwavering truth, guiding all who genuinely seek Him. This celestial event was a testament to the universal significance of Christ's birth, extending beyond the borders of Israel to all nations, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 60:3, which declares, "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
The repetitive, almost chant-like emphasis on "Born is the King of Israel" throughout the song’s structure is not mere reiteration but a deepening of declaration. It serves as an anchor, drawing every element of the story back to its central, most crucial truth: Jesus is not just a baby, but the fulfillment of ancient promises, the long-awaited King. This is reinforced in the powerful, escalating section, "Born is the King, born is the King / Born is the King of Israel." This crescendo of affirmation speaks to the very essence of Christ's identity and mission. He is the Son of David, the promised ruler who would sit on an eternal throne, as foretold in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and Luke 1:32-33. Maverick City Music’s performance here transforms the carol into an act of worship, compelling the participant to internalize and proclaim this truth. The song’s message, stripped down to its core, is a resounding affirmation of Jesus’ kingship, an invitation to recognize His authority, and a celebration of His arrival as the promised Savior, whose birth brought light and hope into a world desperately needing salvation. It encourages every heart to join in the timeless, joyful cry that reverberates through the ages: the King has come.