The First Noel (Noel Emmanuel)

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The Story Behind The First Noel (Noel Emmanuel)

No one knows who first wrote The First Noel. It emerged from the English countryside, perhaps Cornwall, centuries ago, before being published in 1823. Its old English spelling of “Noel” simply means “Christmas,” and the song retells the story of the shepherds and wise men with simple, steadfast wonder.

I love how this carol captures the humility of that “first Christmas”—no fanfare, no fame, just hearts awakened by divine announcement. The repetition of “born is the King of Israel” feels like the heartbeat of the gospel itself: the long-awaited Messiah has come. That feeling of humble glory is themed in the chorus I wrote as part of this new arrangement. I wanted to bring the foreshadowing of the cross into Christmas, looking beyond the fact that Jesus came as a babe, and that He came to save. That came in the chorus of:

“Glory to the humble King
Heaven’s song is what we sing
Throne to cross, conquered the grave
Love came down the world to save
Noel, Noel, Noel, Emmanuel”

Bible Verses & Biblical Themes in The First Noel (Noel Emmanuel)

• Main theme: Worshiping in wonder at Christ’s birth that started the mission of salvation
• “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” (Luke 2:10)
• “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
• “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1)
• The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

Chords & Lyrics

Here are the lyrics, chords will have to come later.

The First Noel (Noel Emmanuel)

Krystal Craven

Verse 1:
The first Noel the angels 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.
No—o—e—l
Born is the King of Israel

Chorus:
Glory to the humble King
Heaven’s song is what we sing
Throne to cross, conquered the grave
Love came down, the world to save
Noel, Noel, Noel, Emmanuel

Verse 2:
Then entered in those wise men free
Fall reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence
Their gold, and myrrh and frankincense.
No—o—e—l
Born is the King of Israel

Chorus:
Glory to the humble King
Heaven’s song is what we sing
Throne to cross, conquered the grave
Love came down, the world to save
Noel, Noel, Noel, Emmanuel

Verse 3:
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
Who has made heaven
And earth of naught
And with His blood
Mankind has bought
No—o—e—l
Born is the King of Israel

Chorus:
Glory to the humble King
Heaven’s song is what we sing
Throne to cross, conquered the grave
Love came down, the world to save


Glory to the humble King
Heaven’s song is what we sing
Throne to cross, conquered the grave
Love came down, the world to save
Noel, Noel, Noel, Emmanuel

Outro:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Emmanuel