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.
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.
Chorus
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Chorus
About The First Noel
The First Noel is a traditional English carol, probably from Cornwall. It was first printed in 1823 in Some Ancient Christmas Carols, collected by Davies Gilbert, and again in 1833 by William Sandys, but it was being sung long before then.
Noel comes from the French word for Christmas. The carol tells the story of the shepherds and the wise men following the star, and the tune used today was arranged by John Stainer in 1871.
The First Noel is traditional and out of copyright, so the words are free to print and sing at school, at church or at home. For printable sheets, download our free carols and activities pack (PDF).