The First Noel
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The First Noel is a hymn text by Anonymous (English carol) (1300) in Irregular with refrain meter. Found in elw 300, lbw 56, lsb 387.
A narrative carol telling the story of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of the shepherds and the Magi, following the star. The repeated refrain Noel means 'Christmas' or 'birth.' The hymn is a simple retelling of the nativity narrative that has proven enduringly popular.
History & Background
A traditional English carol, first published in William Sandys's Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1823) and in Davies Gilbert's Some Ancient Christmas Carols (1823). The origins are medieval, possibly 13th or 14th century. The tune FIRST NOEL is the traditional melody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 300
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 56
- Lutheran Service Book — 387
Bulletin Note
The First Noel — English carol, c.13th c.
Preaching Connection
Luke 2 and Matthew 2 — the shepherds and the Magi following the star to Bethlehem.
Themes
Christmas Epiphany Star Narrative