The First Noel

Where does "Noel" come from?  Some scholars claim that Noel is "French" and means "a shout of joy" at the birth of Jesus.  Others claim it comes from the Medieval Latin word "Natalis" which means birth, which is why some would refer to Christmas as "His natal day."  There is another Latin word "novella", which could be the source of "noel" which means "news" which corresponds with the idea of Jesus' birth which causes shouts of great joy because of His birth at Christmas.  Other scholars say that the original English spelling is "nowell" instead of the French word "noel." 

An example of this changing over the centuries is the English people took the parting phrase they gave each other, "Fare thee well," and made it into one word, "Farewell."  They also took the phrase "God be with you," and shortened it into "goodbye."  Similarly, if the word "nowell" was first a phrase rather than a word, then maybe it was something like "Now all is well!"  The early English greeted each other every Christmas morning by shouting "Now all is well;" because God has provided his son as a light for the world!"  Eventually, "Now all is well" became simply "Now well," and was later "Nowell." 

"The First Noel" has been a popular carol for almost 30 years, and is about the oldest common carol in the English language.  It's known for its simplicity and sincerity.  After traveling through word of mouth for many years, "The First Noel" was finally written down with the tune correct, and printed for the first time in a collection of Christmas carols published in 1833. 

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They look 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.  Refrain.

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.  Refrain

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.  Refrain

Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.  Refrain

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.  Refarin