It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and meaningful of our Christmas carols.
As you will hear in this PODCAST, its seven stanzas tell the complete story of Christmas, brilliantly combining both Matthew’s and Luke’s Nativity narratives.
The carol to which I refer? The First Noel.
The First Noel, the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields as 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.
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.
And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country afar. To seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took it rest. And there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then did they know assuredly within that house the King did lay. They entered in then for to see, and found the Babe in poverty.
Then entered in those wise men three, fell reverently upon their knee, and offered there in His presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
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 hath bought.
Chorus: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.
Let’s talk about those Wise Men, mysterious Magi.
And the star, what it was and why they followed it.
And their gifts, and their amazing significance.
From all of us at the Safe Haven, to all of you, A Very Merry Christmas!
Dewey Bertolini 