Carol Contemplation: The First Noel

Verse 1:

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.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the King of Israel!

Verse 6:

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord,

That hath made heav’n and earth of naught,

And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the King of Israel!.

This is an old English carol, in my hymnal, an English melody, with the words "before 1823" written next to the title.  I like this carol because it tells the story, almost like a ballad, of the birth of Christ and the Epiphany. I didn’t write all six verses here, but each one tells a part of the story. The shepherds, the star, the wise men seeing the star, the wise men journeying to Bethlehem and bringing their gifts. Then that last verse, bringing it to the point: let us sing the praises of the Lord who wrote the story. I love those last two pithy lines, summing up both the mysteries of creation and redemption in 15 words. And it rhymes too! Brilliant. I imagine people living several centuries ago who would know this carol by heart. Perhaps they couldn’t read or didn’t have access to books and Scripture. They would know the Christmas story though, because they knew this hymn. I like it for its homeliness, its simplicity, and its beautiful alto line. I can’t help it, I am an alto!

My favorite recording is an instrumental version from another obscure album called Piano Winterlude, by David Huntsinger. This album is completely worth hunting down and adding to your collection. Beautiful, beautiful arrangements.