Lyrics
Verse 1
The first noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Verse 2
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
Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Bridge
We will sing out hallelujah
Son of heaven, come to dwell
We will bow down, we will worship
Our Messiah, Emmanuel
Verse 3
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of naught
And with His blood mankind has bought
Chorus (x2)
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
Bridge (x2)
We will sing out hallelujah
Son of heaven, come to dwell
We will bow down, we will worship
Our Messiah, Emmanuel
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
This version of the traditional carol tells the nativity story and adds a new section of praise. The first verse follows the shepherds in the fields who hear the angels' announcement on "a cold winter's night", and the second verse turns to the star in the east that gave light "both day and night". The refrain, "Born is the King of Israel", names the child as a king.
The third verse invites everyone to "sing praises to our heavenly Lord" and says that mankind was bought with His blood, which looks ahead from the manger to the cross. That is a common theme in older Christmas hymns, where the birth is tied to the purpose of salvation.
The added bridge is the modern part. It promises a hallelujah to the "Son of heaven, come to dwell" and names Him "Our Messiah, Emmanuel", a title taken from Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23. Repeating that bridge at the close turns the carol into a short act of worship for a congregation.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Shepherds keeping watch at night hear angels announce the birth of a Saviour.
- Matthew 1:23 The child is called Emmanuel, which means God with us, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14.