Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "The First Noel" by
Emmylou Harris tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and how the first news of his arrival was announced to the shepherds in the fields. The shepherds were poor and were watching over their sheep on the cold winter nights. One night, an angel appeared and proclaimed the good news to them.
"The first Noel, the angel said,
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."
The shepherds looked up and saw a star shining in the east. The star illuminated the earth with great light, both day and night.
"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."
The star led them to Bethlehem, where it stopped above the place where Jesus was born.
"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."
The lyrics of the song "The First Noel" remind us that the birth of Jesus was a wonderful event proclaimed by the angels and that filled the world with light. It is a reminder to celebrate the meaning of Christmas and honor the King of Israel who was born at this time.
"Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel."