Point of Grace - 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, 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
The Wise Men came from country far
To seek a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went
The 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
So then let us all, with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heav'n and Earth of naught
And with His blood, mankind hath bought
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King
Born is the King
Born is the King of Israel
Video
Point Of Grace - The First Noel
Meaning & Inspiration
Point of Grace’s rendition of "The First Noel," released on October 29, 2021, as part of their album *Sing Noël*, stands as a luminous interpretation of a timeless Christmas carol, delving deep into the profound narrative of Christ’s birth. The song is not merely a recounting of historical events but a powerful theological statement, inviting reflection on divine humility, miraculous revelation, and the ultimate purpose of redemption. It skillfully translates the ancient story into an accessible anthem of worship, emphasizing the core truths of the Christian faith.
The song begins by immediately drawing us into the rustic scene of the first Christmas, depicting "certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay," keeping watch over their sheep on a "cold winter's night." This imagery, faithfully drawn from Luke 2:8, underscores God’s intentional choice to announce the most significant birth in human history not to the powerful or privileged, but to humble, ordinary individuals. It speaks volumes about the nature of God's kingdom, which often begins in unassuming places and embraces the forgotten. The subsequent appearance of the star, "shining in the east beyond them far," marks the beginning of divine guidance, a celestial beacon foreshadowing the light that Christ Himself would bring to a world shrouded in darkness, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:2.
As the narrative unfolds, the star's radiant guidance is picked up by "the Wise Men from country far," whose singular "intent" was "to seek a King." This segment of the carol vividly brings to mind the account in Matthew 2:1-12, where these foreign dignitaries embarked on an arduous journey, driven by a spiritual hunger to worship the newborn King. Their perseverance, following the star "wherever it went" until it "drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest," serves as a testament to the power of faith and diligent pursuit of God’s truth. It beautifully illustrates God’s universal outreach, revealing His Son not just to His chosen people but to all nations, a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).
The repeated chorus, "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel," acts as a joyful affirmation, a declaration of sovereignty and fulfillment. It echoes the prophetic anticipation of a Messiah who would reign, a king whose lineage traces back to David, and whose dominion would be eternal. This phrase, far from being a simple celebratory interjection, underscores the theological weight of Christ’s identity—He is indeed the long-awaited King, though His kingship arrived not with earthly pomp but in the vulnerable form of an infant. This concept resonates with John 1:49, where Nathanael proclaims, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel."
The final stanza transitions from narrative to fervent worship, urging us all "with one accord / Sing praises to our heavenly Lord." This is where the song truly articulates its evangelistic and worshipful purpose, reminding us of God's ultimate power and boundless love. It acknowledges God as the Creator, "That hath made Heav'n and Earth of naught," a truth powerfully stated in Colossians 1:16, which attributes all creation to Christ. More profoundly, it declares that with "His blood, mankind hath bought." This pivotal line encapsulates the entire redemptive arc of Scripture, reminding us that the birth of this King was not an end in itself, but the beginning of God's plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son. This concept is central to the Gospel, echoed in 1 Peter 1:18-19, which speaks of redemption "with the precious blood of Christ." The song concludes with the resounding declaration, "Born is the King of Israel," cementing the identity of the Christ child as our reigning Lord and Savior. Through its unwavering focus on the biblical narrative and its profound theological implications, Point of Grace's "The First Noel" becomes more than a carol; it is an invitation to celebrate the awe-inspiring reality of God's love and the miraculous gift of salvation.