The First Noel
A carol from the fields of Bethlehem to English village churches
♫ Lyrics
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.
Born is the King of Israel.
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Born is the King of Israel.
❄ The Story
"The First Noel" is a traditional English carol believed to date from the 17th century or earlier, though its exact origins are lost to time. The word "Noel" comes from the French "noël," meaning Christmas, itself derived from the Latin "natalis" (birth). The carol tells the Nativity story in sequence — from the angel's announcement to the shepherds, to the star guiding the Wise Men, to their arrival in Bethlehem.
The carol was first published in William Sandys' collection "Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern" in 1823, alongside "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." Sandys collected carols from the Cornish and Devon oral traditions of south-west England, preserving songs that might otherwise have been lost.
The familiar melody was harmonized by John Stainer in 1871, giving it the grand choral arrangement that is most commonly performed today. Its simple storytelling and memorable refrain have made it a staple of church services, school nativity plays, and carolling groups around the English-speaking world.
🎶 Notable Recordings
A warm, classic rendition
A rich, orchestral interpretation
Fun Facts
"Noel" derives from the French "noël" (Christmas), itself from the Latin "natalis" meaning birth.
The carol was preserved from oral tradition by William Sandys in his 1823 collection of Cornish carols.
The familiar harmonization was arranged by John Stainer in 1871.