Editor's Note: "The First Noel" richly celebrates the birth of Christ, echoing the angelic proclamation in Luke 2:10-11: I bring you good news of great joy... a Savior has been born. As Advent begins today, let's be reminded of John 1:14, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This carol invites us to reflect on God's immense love, marvel at the humble arrival of our Savior, and join the heavenly chorus in worshiping the newborn King with gratitude, joy, and awe. Sing it with worship today! * |
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into Heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." — Luke 2:15 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. Chorus: Noel, noel, noel, noel, Born is the King of Israel. They looked 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. Chorus This star drew nigh to the northwest, O'er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. Chorus |
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Noel, noel, noel, noel, Born is the King of Israel. |
Noel, noel, noel, noel, Born is the King of Israel. |
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"The First Noel" is one of the oldest Christmas ballads still sung today, one of the few surviving early Christmas carols that can be considered a folk song. Its anonymous writer understood the wonder of Christ's birth and probably drew from the stories he had been told about that holy night, since most people living in those times were illiterate. The way the sentences are structured indicates that it was written by a man with no formal language training. But the spirit found in "The First Noel" more than makes up for its lack of literacy. That spirit, and the Viking tradition of the Yule log adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages, likely ensured the survival of the old carol. "The First Noel" was sung each year by many English peasants as they lit the Yule log. Families that burned a Yule log each year believed that good luck would befall their household. Both "The First Noel" and the Christmas Yule log tradition found their way to France in the 1400s, where it was supposedly introduced to the French people by British minstrels. Like the English, the common people of France embraced the music and the message. However, for the first three hundred years of its existence, the song was not a part of church services. The clergy disdained carols like "The First Noel," so these songs became the holiday tradition of the people, with unwritten words and music. "The First Noel" finally was published by William Sandys in his book on Christmas folk songs in 1833. A lawyer by trade, Sandys loved music and spent his spare time collecting both French and English folk songs. By the mid-1800s, when the Church of England began to use new songs during services, "The First Noel" found universal acclaim. Today this song remains one of the most loved carols of all time. While the tradition of the Yule log has all but died out, the message of "The First Noel" still burns brightly. |
Excerpted with permission from O Holy Night by Ace Collins, copyright Andrew Collins. * * * |
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On this first day of Advent, let's pause and reflect on the Christ Child born in Bethlehem out of God's unfathomable love for us! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Christmas Hymns & Ornaments to Celebrate the Season |
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BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: Free Shipping + Orders of $35 or more get an extra 15% off with code BF15 |
This board book features: - Eight die-cut pop-out ornaments corresponding to eight of the most-loved Christmas hymns, including "O Holy Night," "The First Noel," and "Silent Night"
- A brief history of each hymn telling the story of its origins
- A Scripture verse corresponding to the hymn
- Lyrics to each Christmas carol
The great songs of Christmas contain messages of peace, hope, and truth. Each in its own way expresses a facet of God's heart and celebrates the birth of His greatest gift to the world—Jesus, the most wonderful Christmas Song of all. |
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What Our Readers Are Saying |
"I so enjoyed the history and stories of each song. The ornament was an added bonus to add to the joy."— Judy Z. |
"Great book for Grandkids to hang in Christmas tree!" — Sheryl R. |
"A lot of love and respect went into this book. Hymnals are becoming a thing of the past these days. What I love about all hymns, not just Christmas songs, is that if you didn't have access to a Bible, just sing a few bars! And reading about the history of each of these songs really drives more meaning, making these songs unforgettable." — Vicki W. |
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Also available as a 3-pack bundle Perfect for gifting! | O Holy Night: Christmas Hymns & Ornaments 3-Pack Bundle |
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: Free Shipping + Orders of $35 or more get an extra 15% off with code BF15 |
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More Christmas books we think you might enjoy | BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: Free Shipping + Orders of $35 or more get an extra 15% off with code BF15 |
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Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels |
| Jesus Listens for Christmas |
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Jesus Calling for Christmas |
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The Case for Christmas Online Bible Study |
The Case for Christmas Online Bible Study |
Discover the truth behind the traditions. Can we really trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth? Was He truly born of a virgin—or is it all just myth and legend? With former atheist and award-winning journalist Lee Strobel as your guide, you'll examine the evidence and experience the Christmas story like never before. Join The Case for Christmas Online Bible Study and get access to Lee's four teaching videos and other helpful Bible study tools—all FREE when you sign up! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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*Sale price ends on 11/30/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. FREE U.S. standard shipping through 11/30/25 at 11:59 pm CST, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Sale pricing excludes eBooks and audiobooks. *Offer valid until 11/30/25 at 11:59 pm CST or while supplies last. Offer valid online and by phone only. Take an additional 15% off your purchase of $35 or more with code BF15, after promotions and discounts and before shipping and handling costs are applied. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. *Points earned through our loyalty program can be stacked with most promotional offers, including seasonal and special promotions, with the exception of welcome codes or other select offers at our discretion. Eligibility for stacking may vary based on specific promo code terms. We reserve the right to determine which promotional codes can or cannot be combined with loyalty points. *eBook and audiobook purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose. Please note that: To access your eBooks, you can download the free Glose app or read instantly in your browser by creating a Glose account using the same email address you use to purchase the eBooks. eBooks fulfilled through Glose cannot be printed, downloaded as PDF, or read in other digital readers (like Kindle or Nook). For more information about how to access eBooks purchased on this site, click here for our FAQs. |
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