Lyrics
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.
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.
And by the light of that same star
The wise men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
The wise men entered, Him to see,
Full rev'rently upon the knee,
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav'nly Lord
That hath made heav'n and earth of naught
And with His blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Devotional Thoughts
The most frequently repeated word in this beloved carol, “Noel,” has multiple root meanings. The French word, nouvelles, means, “news.” The English root of the word comes from the word nowel, which means “shout of joy.” So, what is the news? What is it that we are to "shout for joy" over? The answer comes from the Early Modern English synonym of "Noel"—"Christmas." The joyful news that is repeated over and over again in this carol—and that is to be repeated over and over again in our hearts and from our lips—is the news of Christ's birth (note that "Born is the King of Israel" is the most repeated phrase).
The people at that time desired salvation, but not the salvation that Christ had to offer. Rather, their desire was to be saved from their natural enemies. Christ's desire, however, was to save them from their greatest enemy—sin. We see this expressed in the final verse: "and with His blood mankind has bought."
In this Advent season, and as we approach Christmas, let us not only focus on the beauty of Christ's birth, but also on the significance of His atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. "Born is the King of Kings, the King of our salvation!"
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