The First Noel

Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Joachim Wtewael, c. 1595 - 1603. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Joachim Wtewael, c. 1595 – 1603. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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. 

The Magi Journeying, by James Tissot, c. 1886-94. Brooklyn Museum, New York, New York, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Magi Journeying, by James Tissot, c. 1886-94. Brooklyn Museum, New York, New York, United States.

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.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 
born is the King of Israel. 

The Journey of the Magi, by Sassetta, c. 1433-35. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Journey of the Magi, by Sassetta, c. 1433-35. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.

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.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 
born is the King of Israel. 

Adoration of the Magi, c. 16th century. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Adoration of the Magi, c. 16th century. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 
born is the King of Israel. 

The Adoration of the Magi, by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1478-82. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Adoration of the Magi, by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1478-82. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., United States.

Then entered in those Wise Men three, 
full reverently upon the knee, 
and offered there, in his presence, 
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 
born is the King of Israel. 

—

This blog is part of a twelve-part series illustrating classic Christmas carols with classic religious for the twelve days of Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Karina Tabone

Karina Tabone is a wife, mother of four, author, blogger, and lover of Christian artwork. She's the author of the Illustrated Rosary series, which pairs every prayer of the Rosary with beautiful religious artwork. She likes also milkshakes, sunshine, and mystery novels. Follow her on Twitter at @illustr_prayer.

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