1 Sing we now of Christmas,
Noel, sing we here!
Hear our grateful praises
to the babe so dear.
Refrain:
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
2 Angels called to shepherds,
"Leave your flocks at rest,
journey forth to Bethlehem,
find the lambkin blest." [Refrain]
3 In Bethlehem they found him;
Joseph and Mary mild,
seated by the manger,
watching the holy child. [Refrain]
4 From the eastern country
came the kings afar,
bearing gifts to Bethlehem
guided by a star. [Refrain]
5 Gold and myrrh they took there,
gifts of greatest price;
there was ne'er a place on earth
so like paradise. [Refrain]
Worship and Rejoice, 2003
First Line: | Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here |
Title: | Sing We Now of Christmas |
Meter: | 11.10.10.11 |
Source: | Traditional French carol |
Place of Origin: | France |
Language: | English |
Refrain First Line: | Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel |
Liturgical Use: | Songs of Response |
The text for this hymn comes from a Traditional French Carol. The original French title is: Noël nouvelet. The lyrical structure of the carol takes us through the story of Christ’s birth. The first verse simply acknowledges the birth and calls us to praise Jesus. The second and third verses tell of the angels coming to the shepherds at night. The third and fourth verses describe the coming of the wise men and gifts they bring. The text connects to two scripture passages—Luke 2:8-20, which tells the story of the angels and shepherds, and Matthew 2:1-12, which tells the story of the wise men and their gifts.
The tune for this hymn comes from the same Traditional French Carol as the text. It was harmonized by Martin Shaw in 1928 for The Oxford Book of Carols. It is an upbeat song, with alternating major and minor sounds, adding an almost mysterious quality to the carol.
This song is to be sung in the Christmas season, especially in services incorporating the corresponding scriptures (Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-12). It may also is appropriate for images or depictions of the Nativity. The content of this hymn obviously makes it effective as a processional or call to praise.
Suggested music for this hymn:
Luke Getz Hymnary.org