The First Noel for the month of May

Story carols are the most fun to sing because some of them just go on and on and on. Take the English carol, "The First Noel," for instance. In my hymnal it has six verses each followed by the refrain, "Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!" Even little children can join in the refrain after the first couple of times.

Actually the first five verses in this carol tell the story. The sixth verse gives us a chance to respond to what we've sung (or read, as the case may be).

Here is the story:

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.

They loooked 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.

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.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,

Over Bethlehem it took its rest;

And there it did both stop and stay,

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three,

Full reverently upon their knee,

And offered there, in His presence,

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

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.

Noel, noel! Noel, noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

Merry Christmas,

Paulita