African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal ‎#111

111. The First Noel

1 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.

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

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. [Refrain]

3 And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

4 This 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. [Refrain]

5 Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frank incense. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel, the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Advent and Nativity; Christmas; Jesus: Advent and Nativity
• Source: Anon. English Carol; Sandy's Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern, 1833

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOEL
• Harmonizer: H. R. Bramley
• Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Meter: Irregular with Refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trad. English Melody; Harm.: Christmas Carols, Old and New