The poem describes the story of the first Christmas from the perspective of shepherds in the fields. An angel appears to the shepherds and tells them that the King of Israel has been born. The shepherds see a bright star shining in the East that leads three wise men to Bethlehem to find and pay homage to the infant King Jesus whose birth the star signifies.

1. “The First Noel”

2. 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.
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Verse 1

3. Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

4. They looked up and saw a star shining in the East
beyond themfar.
And to the earthit gave great light. And so it
continued both day and night.
Verse 2

5. Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

6. 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.
Verse 3

7. Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

8. This star drew nigh to the north-west;
Over Bethlehemit took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Verse 4